Children At Risk

An "at-risk" child is one who, while currently healthy, is at risk of developing learning, emotional, behavioral or physical disabilities in the future. They are at high risk because of poverty, abuse, neglect, hunger, disease, war and exploitation.

One boy leaning his head towards one of his friends.

There are different categories of children at risk and one of them is "street children". They are children for whom the street has become a real home more than the home their family has to offer. It includes children who might not necessarily be homeless or without families, but who live in situations where there is no protection, supervision, or direction from responsible adults.

A widely accepted set of definitions defines street children into two main categories:

Children on the street are those engaged in some kind of economic activity ranging from begging to vending. Most go home at the end of the day and contribute their earnings to their family. They may be attending school and retain a sense of belonging to a family. Because of the economic fragility of the family, these children may eventually opt for a permanent life on the streets.
Children of the street actually live on the street (or outside of a normal family environment). Family ties may exist but are tenuous and are maintained only casually or occasionally.

The estimating population of street children worldwide is 150 million, with the number rising daily. Ranging in age from three to eighteen, about 40% are homeless. The other 60% work on the streets to support their families. Some are sent out by their impoverished parents to work or to beg. They are unable to attend school and are considered to live in "especially difficult circumstances". Although there are variations from country to country, 70% or more of street children are boys.

For more information about street children go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street_children.