STREET CHILDREN AND GAINING INDEPENDENCE: CHALLENGES AND POSSIBILITIES

Abstract

This paper discusses the issue of gaining independence by young people who, owing to their adverse life circumstances, face a difficult start in adult life. Beginning an independent life, even with the support and aid of relatives, may involve confronting the challenges of everyday bleak adult life. Gaining independence is much more difficult for young people who leave educational and care centers (care leavers), or youth who avoid contacts with adults, and consequently live in a street milieu. The aim of this text is to focus attention on the process of gaining independence by the street children. It considers if it is possible for them at all, and what should gaining independence by street children involve, and what should indicate the completion of this process. The paper asks who supports these children, and introduces them to adult life? This is a very unique target group for care providers, and social workers whose assistance is limited to those activities carried out only in the streets. Hence, can street workers, that is social workers who work with street children, guide them with respect to gaining independence? The text addresses these problematical issues, and so considers the notion of street children’s gaining independence.