Research by Author & Topic

Publications by Martha R. Burt on Children

Permanent supportive housing for families (FPSH) is a relatively new undertaking throughout the country. FPSH grew from the recognition that some adults have both disabilities that render them unable to maintain stable housing on their own and also children they are trying to raise. Without substantial help, these parents have not been able to provide themselves or their children with a stable residence. This report assesses the housing stability of a sample of 100 families living in seven San Francisco FPSH programs, based on information from interviews conducted from November 2003 through April 2004. It looks at family demographics; housing and homeless history; education, employment, and income; use of services; children's living situations and well-being; and family satisfaction with housing. It also describes in detail the settings and operations of the seven FPSH programs from which the family sample was drawn.

This report summarizes major findings from our work on family violence for the United Way of Central New Mexico (UWCNM). "Family violence" includes violence between intimate partners (spouses, cohabiting couples, dating couples) and between adult family members and children. We identified the current availability of and significant gaps in services and supports for victims of family violence in the UWCNM service area. We were also alert to the opportunities to develop a coordinated community response to family violence that helps current victims and works to reduce and ultimately eliminate violence among family members. Based on these findings, and drawing on our knowledge of programs and approaches that work in other communities, the report presents suggestions and opportunities on which UWCNM and its community partners could act to achieve their goals.

This report consists of a review of the literature pertaining to adolescents, their risk behaviors and associated personal and societal costs, and protective factors. The view of adolescence presented here has important implications for working with adolescents. The report offers a framework that summarizes the major protective factors and risk factors that come into play in the lives of adolescents. The report makes recommendations for program structure and future research upon which to base program decisions.

This report examines the services, staffing, funding, and clientele of publicly funded family planning clinics in the United States. A review of the evolution of family-planning services and their changing clientele during the 1980s is included. It presents the views and concerns of clinic managers concerning changes in programs and policies that may occur under health care reform and includes recommendations about program alternatives.

This study assesses the effects of cutbacks in social welfare spending on three populations: abused, neglected, and dependent children; the chronically mentally ill; and low-income elderly. The authors trace the impacts of federal changes through state and local levels to the service agencies and the needy themselves.