Interventions to Mitigate the Effects of Housing Insecurity on Child and Adolescent Health: A Scoping Review

Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available literature on interventions that mitigate the effects of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents (0-18 years), describing their characteristics, levels of action (structural, intermediate, or individual/group), and reported outcomes. Methods: In January 2025, we conducted a comprehensive search across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and 1 gray literature search engine (Carrot2), without time restrictions. 6,002 articles underwent three sequential screening phases. Results were described through a narrative synthesis of the evidence. Results: Twenty-six studies were included. Public housing, housing vouchers, and subsidies to private housing developers were the most common interventions, targeting structural and intermediate levels. Reported outcomes varied: physical health and healthcare use generally improved, while mental health and educational effects were mixed. Only two studies assessed multi-assistance programs. Conclusion: Affordability-focused interventions can improve health for children and adolescents, while multi-assistance approaches show promise. Broader welfare policies may also benefit this population. Future research should diversify geographically, use mixed methods, address age-specific outcomes, and examine more decommodifying housing strategies.