The phenomenon of street children is a growing concern in South Africa. The Human Sciences Research Council and the South African Department of Health and Population Development organized a networking conference in November 1993 as a step toward developing, on a partnership basis, guidelines for policy and strategies in the best interests of…

This report and its companion, volume I, provide a snapshot of people experiencing homelessness in Minnesota. The information in this volume, which focuses on unaccompanied youth, is intended as a resource for planners, policymakers, service providers, and others addressing the problems associated with homelessness. On October 27, 1994, trained…

This study had three aims: (1) to identify stressful situations faced by Indian children and adolescents working on the streets; (2) to study their preference for social support when faced with stress; and (3) to identify gender differences in social support preferences. One hundred 8- to 18-year-olds, working as beggars, vendors, or ragpickers,…

In response to the U.S. Department of Education requirement for a state status report on homeless children and youth, the Colorado Department of Education conducted a 1-day telephone survey of homeless service providers and school districts, to determine the numbers and educational needs of the state's homeless children and youth. The survey…

This brochure describes activities of the three bureaus of the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF). The Children's Bureau of ACYF helps state, local, public and private agencies, and associations of agencies develop programs to assist families with problems which affect their children. Activities of the Children's Bureau focus…

This study examined the lifestyle of children from a sedentary grouping of 20 homeless families living under a viaduct in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The study particularly focused on issues related to this lifestyle, including dimensions of housing and cultural variations in housing related to child development and child rearing. The lifestyle of the…

Available data on homeless families and children are reviewed, focusing on definitions of homelessness and the most common methods used to estimate the size of the homeless population. Trends in the duration of homelessness and the numbers of families at risk of losing housing are discussed. (SLD)

Reviews the resilience of children and youth who thrive in spite of challenging circumstances and develop into healthy adults. Strategies to enhance individual, family, school, and community protective factors are highlighted. (GR)

This study provides empirical data on the substance use behaviors of delinquent and homeless youths. Results indicate that these children use tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs at higher rates than adolescents in general. Drug education and prevention programs must be tailored to fit the needs of these at-risk populations. (RJM)

Considers alcohol and other drug abuse among homeless women and the impact of public policy decisions on this group, their dependent children, and the family unit. Examines barriers to treatment including legal rights conflicts (women's versus children's), criminalization, and treatment approaches. (JB)

Findings from interviews of street children in Pretoria, South Africa, are presented, discussed, and compared with past research. Indicates the average age of South African street children is 13 years. Most are males of African origin; have been on the streets three years or longer; and cited family violence, parental alcoholism, abuse, and…

From 1992 through 2001, Russia lost more than 7 million people as a result of natural population loss or, with the positive migration balance taken into account, 4.7 million. These statistics show that the size of Russia's population is diminishing steadily. This article reports the findings of a study examining the factors that account for the…

Professionals who work with runaway, throwaway, and homeless youth have long known that many of these young people leave home to escape abusive and/or destructive family situations. This update presents the findings of a national study on such children. Results of the study, "Youth with Runaway, Throwaway, and Homeless Experiences:…

This paper discusses a number of interventions that are aimed at increasing educational opportunities of homeless students in the United States. Only a few of these programs have been locally evaluated, and the evaluation process is particularly challenging for local evaluators to undertake. At a state and national level, commitment to evaluation…

There is an alarming trend in homelessness: children aged 17 and younger are the most rapidly growing group of the homeless; families continue to be a growing group of the homeless; and many people who are homeless were raised or have lived in the suburbs. Homelessness is no longer an inner-city phenomenon. Three homeless youth were interviewed…