The Impact of COVID-19 Crisis on Homeless Children in Malaysia

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world patterns including economic, human needs, and daily activity. Millions of people have been called to stay at home, keep physical distancing, and many economic activities are closed as a precautionary measure. As a result, many people are unable to work and earn money, especially those who receive a daily salary. For a certain group of people such as homeless children, this situation is bad. Without a proper home, lack of basic needs and social services makes them exposed to multiple deprivations. In this regard, in this conceptual chapter, the researcher will report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on homeless children in Malaysia. Aside from that, the researcher will also explain the roles of a social services provider to help homeless children meet their needs during the pandemic. This conceptual chapter enables agencies who work with vulnerable children, policymakers, and child social services providers to utilize the input to frame special social care programs for homeless children during the spread of the pandemic.