Life on streets.

Area of Science:

• Childhood Studies
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Millions of children leave home seeking better lives.
• Many end up living and surviving on the streets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the life experiences of children living on the streets.
• To understand the challenges and survival strategies of street children.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted.
• Data collected from street boys admitted to a Child Observation Home in New Delhi over six months.
• Interviews focused on street survival aspects.

Main Results:

• Most street children work in the informal sector for inadequate wages.
• Substance abuse is common as an escape from exploitation and hardship.
• Street life fosters hopelessness and suicidal ideation.

Conclusions:

• Children escaping adverse home situations face further exploitation, hunger, violence, and abuse on the streets.
• The street environment perpetuates cycles of hardship and trauma for vulnerable children.