Homeless Children

Children are the future leaders of our nation. By neglecting this special group of children, who are at the high risk of health and physical abuse, we are making most of them prone, to engage in anti-social activities in adulthood. Also, by denying their basic rights and hampering their process of growth we are restricting the development of our country and humanity. The number of homeless children is constantly increasing. Homeless children are a global issue. However, the phenomenon of homeless children in India poses complex social challenges, as these children are at the high risk of a myriad of medical, physical and psychological problems. The reasons for which children abandon their homes to live as homelesss can be summarized in a series of "Push" and "Pull" factors. A significant portion of disadvantaged children of India live on the streets on account of acute impoverishment and social deprivation. Often separated from their families, many of these children migrate to the cities in search of a decent livelihood. The problems experienced by homeless-children include: homelessness, exploitation, labour, abuse, health difficulties, coercion and control by adult gangs, conflict with the law, lack of education and lack of identification. The homeless children in India are often victims of physical, verbal and mental abuses. Devoid of material resources and the support system that is essential for survival, these children end up leading nomadic lives on the streets and work at any occupation. The homeless children worked for long time in dirty environments but their average daily income was considerably very low. This study is an attempt to comprehend the quality of life of Homeless children in Tiruchirappalli District of Tamilnadu and make suitable recommendations to both the Government and Not-profit organizations as well. It would create new avenues for the social worker and student community to know about the intensity of the problem and to get trained themselves in advocacy and rehabilitative services required for the homeless children in distress. This study would help to strengthen the understanding of all the stakeholders including families, communities, civil society organizations and the state and pave the way for more informed programming and further research to strengthen protection of homeless children. The present study have developed training modules for various stake holders involved in care and support programmes in the care of shelterless children. It has explored different methods of advocacy to sensitize and influence policy maker so that adequate programmes are evolved to contribute towards the care and support of these marginalized group in society.