The role of the educational psychologist in addressing inadequate housing and its impact on children and families on their caseload – A reflective report

Abstract

This reflective report explores the educational psychologist’s role in supporting children, young people, and their families with housing. It examines relevant legislation relating to addressing children living in inadequate housing situations, responsibilities of multi-agency teams and explores the literature surrounding inadequate housing and child development. The report goes onto reflect on three individual pieces of casework where inadequate housing arose and my involvement as a trainee educational psychologist. I outline the psychological theory I utilised when formulating needs and support around housing needs in the children and families I was working with as well as my role within a wider multi-agency team. The reflective report relates these experiences to previous literature and makes suggestions for further research, policy development and practice within educational psychology services as well as the education sector as a whole.