Case Studies of Bibliothey with Homeless Children

Children who experience homelessness constitute a growing population at-risk for developing mental health problems. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the use of bibliotherapy with homeless children. A case study method of inquiry was used with drawings, audiotapes and clinical records from a convenience sample of three children living in a transitional homeless shelter. Four themes of homelessness emerged from the case studies. These were labelled "Longing for Affluence," "Escaping Violence," "Shame and Stigma," and "Making Transitions." Therapeutic stories were selected in response to the emergence of each child's own issues and the theme issues. Implications for psychiatric mental health nurses are discussed.