Public perceptions of, and reactions to, street children

Research has shown that no treatment program designed for street children can succeed unless the community is prepared to respect, protect, and provide opportunities for them (Tacon, cited in Schurink & Rip, 1993). Unfortunately, these children are abused in many parts of the world (Aptekar, 1994). This paper investigates why the general public, as well as those charged with enforcing the law, often treat street children with scorn and hostility.