Morgan is an 8-year-old who frequently misses school. You discover she is homeless. Morgan is at risk for experiencing which of the following that puts her at risk for future mental illness?

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Children in homeless families are often hungry, sick, and worried about where and when they will eat and sleep again. Many of these children are frequently absent from school and need to repeat grades, if they do not drop out of school entirely. In addition, children experiencing homelessness experience high levels of stress and recurrent exposure to violence, which have significant mental health consequences. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are correlated with social, emotional, and cognitive impairments in children and adolescent risk-taking behaviors. ACEs are defined as "stressful or traumatic events, including abuse and neglect" (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2018a, para. 2). Many runaway and homeless youth (60-80%) are victims of emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse in the home environment. Additionally, the loss of safety, privacy, possessions, friends, pets, and routines creates a life-altering experience, inflicting deep and enduring emotional scars on these individuals and families (Bassuk et al., 2014).

Morgan Is an 8-Year-Old Who Frequently Misses School