Street Children

The term street children is commonly used for children younger than 18 years old who live on the streets, primarily in urban areas, without an adult caregiver or a legal guardian. Street children are more prevalent in developing countries, and they remain on the streets much longer than in developed countries, where there is a greater availability of protective services. In developed countries, the term street children is often used synonymously with homeless, runaway, and throwaway youth. Children who leave home without parental consent are considered runaways, and youths pushed out of their homes by their parents or caregivers are often termed throwaway youth. Another category of street children may include youth who are removed from their homes by state authorities because of physical and ...