Due to extreme economic hardship, many families are unable to care for their children.
Many homes also become abusive because of the economic strain.
With poor health care, parents often die young or may even abandon their children for various reasons. Older boys in these situations have absolutely nowhere to turn but to the streets. The lack of guidance or absence of family in these children's lives lead them into robbery, gangs, vandalism, use of toxic substances, alcoholism, etc. Due to a complete lack of facilities in the Tijuana area, orphaned boys are usually only cared for until the age of twelve when they are put out. Forced to fend for themselves, the majority end up living on the streets.