Street Children: the Situation in Latin America (From International Review of Criminal Policy, Nos. 39 and 40, 1990: Special Double Volume on Juvenile Justice in International Perspective, P 131-137, 1992 - See NCJ-138115)

• NCJ Number: 138129
• Author(s): J A Rios
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations Publications
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Large numbers of abandoned children spend significant periods of time alone or in groups on the streets in cities in Brazil and need a broad array of programs and policy approaches from both the Brazilian government and the United Nations.

Abstract

The estimated 20 million street children are mostly minors over 10 years of age; a large proportion are ages 15- 17. Some are abandoned by their parents and most work, although some survive by begging. They come mostly from low- income neighborhoods on the edges of big cities, but they congregate at the city centers. The government, UNICEF, and the Catholic Church have all established programs to address the problem, but current efforts are insufficient. Alternative programs and projects need more attention, and institutions are the only solution available in some cases. Recommended measures include the establishment of open-house institutions providing food, rest, work, health education, and training; personnel training; outreach services; community participation through funding and job training; and leadership and program models from the United Nations. Note