Supporting Pregnant Women Experiencing Homelessness

ABSTRACT Despite the significant needs of pregnant homeless women, the paucity of literature on this topic has contributed to a gap in practice and policy knowledge about this vulnerable group. Drawing on two research projects undertaken in Victoria, Australia, the authors analysed interviews with women experiencing homelessness and interviews and focus groups with policy practitioners and service providers. Service system barriers faced by pregnant homeless women and the support needed to stabilise housing were explored. Results showed how the resource-depleted housing context, combined with organisational restrictions that constrained care coordination and continuity, generated exclusionary outcomes for pregnant homeless women. These findings, informed by a feminist critical social work framework, draw attention to: the harms of gender-blind policy and practice; the approaches to providing care that work; and a need within social work to address challenges unique to pregnant women experiencing homelessness. IMPLICATIONS Policy and practice that do not recognise gender generate exclusionary outcomes for pregnant homeless women. There is a pressing need for affordable, suitable and long-term housing options for pregnant homeless women Rapid rehousing into permanent accommodation that recognises pregnancy as a criterion is needed to meet requirements of pregnant homeless women. A feminist critical social work approach highlights the need for continuous and coordinated care provision for pregnant homeless women