Gender differences among street children in Nairobi suggest familial function, and development and mental-health outcomes. Male children are taught coping skills by their mothers early on to take up street life to support their family. Female children, expected to remain at home and learn to become women, turn to street life as the result of…

This paper reports on the evaluation of some elements of a multicomponent program involving more than 20 agencies aimed at improving accessibility of health and social services for the homeless. The case study approach shows how the organizational context, stakeholder characteristics, and methodological features can affect evaluations. (SLD)

This paper reviews research on processes linking low incomes, deprived neighborhoods, and adverse outcomes for British children, identifying gaps and limitations in existing datasets and research strategies. Four domains are examined: education, health and psychological outcomes, crime and related behavior, and items linked to transitioning to…

Describes the successful involvement of homeless youth in the creation of a presentation to the Campaign for the Single Homeless (CHAR) in England. Asserts that it is vital that children's organizations support an active role for children and young people in policy development, and that it be done in the right way, whatever the cost. (EV)

An evaluation of free health care for the homeless in Britain showed that it lacks government directive, has biases and overlaps, is disproportionately delivered in emergency rooms, and relies on advocacy from the nonprofit sector. Systems of care in the U. S. must better address the needs of disenfranchised groups. (Author/VM)

This review examines the social literature on Brazilian street children to determine causal factors. Stressing the socioeconomic aspects of poverty and social exclusion, the analyses identify three basic themes: the family, high failure rates in school, and child/adolescent labor. The role of Brazil's economic crisis of the late 1970s and…

Describes how a comparative study of street children in Montevideo (Uruguay), Rio de Janeiro, and Mexico City contributes to a synergism between theory and method. Notes how theoretical approaches of symbolic interactionism, genetic structuralism, and habitus theory complement interview, participant observation, and content analysis methods;…

Interviewed Bucharest street children, most between 11 and 15 years of age. Found that most left families, not institutions. Half were from intact families characterized by many children, an incarcerated parent, physical violence, sexual abuse, or alcoholism. Most worked either begging or in casual labor, and engaged in substance abuse.…

Reviews four books that contextually examine definitions of childhood and adolescence: "Peer Power: Preadolescent Culture and Identity" (Patricia A. Adler and Peter Adler); "Angels' Town: Chero Ways, Gang Life, and Rhetorics of the Everyday" (Ralph Cintron); "Everyday Courage: The Lives and Stories of Urban Teenagers"…

Explores methodological issues associated with gaining access to street children and reducing the influence of the researcher's 'outsider' identity, when undertaking sociospatial research. Illustrates how meaningful results can be gleaned without the inhibitory effects of limited access and outsider influence. (Author)

Young people who experience homelessness, in Australia and in other western contexts (US, Canada, England), are widely perceived to use and abuse alcohol and drugs. The available research indicates that homeless young people use all drug types, whether injected or otherwise, more frequently than their home-based peers. Debate exists in the…

Homeless youth are a population at a high risk for suicidal behavior. A previous exploratory study emphasized the importance of feeling trapped or helpless, which appeared to mediate the impact of other risk variables. Confirmatory work was needed to test this inductively derived model. Two hundred eight homeless youths completed surveys on the…

This paper from a symposium on shut out youth identifies some of the key social, cultural, and economic issues that must be considered to understand the phenomenon of youth homelessness. Researchers and practitioners address the problem of Europe's unmet housing needs. The factors which contribute to these needs and problems are the following: (1)…

This discussion document from a symposium on shut out youth attempts to heighten awareness of the housing problems experienced by youth in Ireland. It is based on information obtained from a questionnaire sent to voluntary organizations working in local areas. It focuses on homelessness and its related issues of health, education, and the…

A practicum at a crisis intervention center in the middle of a large Canadian city in Ontario was designed to offer crisis intervention, shelter, and non-residential support for runaway and homeless youth, ages 16 to 21, who lived on the streets or in emergency shelters. The practicum provided an opportunity for program staff to develop a…