Street children

Since the fall of the Soviet Union the number of street children in Eastern Europe has increased enormously. Children end up on the streets for many reasons, including difficult social situations at home, unemployment, alcoholism, violence and abuse.

Gatubarn300pxOnce on the street, the child quickly becomes a victim of drugs, prostitution and crime. They lose contact with school and the rest of society. Virtually all street children sniff glue or other substances. All have health problems such as malnutrition, skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders and TB. It is a big challenge to rehabilitate these children to a healthy life.

What does Childhood do for street children?
In Russia, Childhood supports an organization called Mission Possible that has developed an excellent model to help street children. Their patrols meet with children in the streets, give them food and get to know them. They offer access to day centers where the children can go for activities, social support and shelter homes where the children can stay when they are ready to leave the streets. At Mission Possible’s farm in Jaroslav, they provide holidays for the children and offer work and drug rehabilitation for the oldest children and some parents. Mission Possible tries to help the children reunite with their families and offer help to the parents whenever possible.

In the US, Childhood supports Safe Space who are working with New York's most at-risk youth and families to prevent foster care placement, build strong families and promote self-sufficiency. Childhood support their Outreach van for street children in New York. The mobile unit serves as a moveable centre for youth throughout the neighbourhoods of New York City, not otherwise willing to come to a more established centre. Food, contraceptives, medical and psychological assistance other related services at other Safe Space locations are offered.


World Childhood Foundation
Box 19084, 104 32 Stockholm
Sweden

Phone: +46 (8) 551 175 00

Fax: +46 (8) 20 03 02

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