Boys and Girls in Street Situations: Integrated Policies for Action

Introduction

Street children are a vulnerable population that faces a number of challenges, including poverty, violence, and exploitation. In order to effectively address the needs of street children, it is essential to develop integrated policies that take into account the unique circumstances of this population.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the issue of street children, drawing on research from a variety of disciplines. The book begins by defining street children and discussing the various factors that contribute to their situation. It then examines the challenges that street children face, including poverty, violence, and exploitation. The book concludes by discussing the need for integrated policies to address the needs of street children.

Defining Street Children

Street children are typically defined as children who live on the streets and have little or no contact with their families. They may be homeless, or they may live in temporary shelters or institutions. Street children are often involved in begging, scavenging, or other forms of survival sex.

Factors Contributing to Street Children

There are a number of factors that can contribute to a child becoming a street child. These factors include:

• Poverty: Poverty is the most common factor that contributes to street children. Children who live in poverty may be forced to leave their homes in order to find food and shelter.
• Violence: Children who are victims of violence may also become street children. Violence can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.
• Exploitation: Children who are exploited may also become street children. Exploitation can take many forms, including child labor, sexual exploitation, and trafficking.

Challenges Faced by Street Children

Street children face a number of challenges, including:

• Poverty: Street children are often extremely poor. They may not have access to food, shelter, or clothing.
• Violence: Street children are also often victims of violence. They may be beaten, robbed, or even killed.
• Exploitation: Street children are also often exploited. They may be forced to work long hours for little or no pay. They may also be sexually exploited.
• Health problems: Street children are also more likely to suffer from health problems than other children. They may not have access to clean water, food, or shelter. They may also be more likely to contract diseases, such as HIV/AIDS.
• Social stigma: Street children are often stigmatized by society. They may be seen as criminals or delinquents. This can make it difficult for them to access education, employment, and other services.

Need for Integrated Policies

In order to effectively address the needs of street children, it is essential to develop integrated policies that take into account the unique circumstances of this population. These policies should include:

• Prevention: Policies should be developed to prevent children from becoming street children in the first place. These policies should focus on addressing the underlying factors that contribute to street children, such as poverty, violence, and exploitation.
• Protection: Policies should be developed to protect street children from violence, exploitation, and other forms of harm. These policies should include providing street children with access to safe shelter, food, and clothing.
• Reintegration: Policies should be developed to help street children reintegrate into society. These policies should include providing street children with access to education, employment, and other services.

Conclusion

Street children are a vulnerable population that faces a number of challenges. In order to effectively address the needs of street children, it is essential to develop integrated policies that take into account the unique circumstances of this population. These policies should focus on prevention, protection, and reintegration.

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about street children or getting involved in efforts to help them, there are a number of resources available. You can find more information on the websites of the following organizations:

• The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
• The International Labour Organization (ILO)
• The World Bank
• The Covenant House
• The Street Child Institute

You can also support street children by donating to a charity that works to help them. Some of the most reputable charities that work with street children include:

• The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
• The International Labour Organization (ILO)
• The World Bank
• The Covenant House
• The Street Child Institute

By getting involved, you can help make a difference in the lives of street children.