Many of these young people have been and in some cases continue to be victims of abuse. Public concern for these young people seems to fade to such a degree that a child ceases to look like a child or act like a child, and loses the beauty of a child. Workers at S.O.S. strive to suspend their own judgements and listen to the young people that they encounter daily. When one listens and truly hears, one becomes aware of a whole subculture existing side by side with mainstream society. Adolescence is a time marked by the process of exploration along paths of social, sexual and career development in the gradual transition towards adulthood.
Street kids miss out on much of what other young people take for granted.
Through experience, they come to realize that their circumstances have reduced their career options and effectively limited their future potential. These harsh realities beyond their control make life harder to contemplate but also much more difficult to navigate. The long-term effects of abuse, neglect, lack of attachment with birth parents, and lack of positive role models coupled with the harsh realities of life on the street cause feelings of dissociation and discouragement that end up entrenching them in street life. Employment and education referrals Outreach Workers are also involved in education and prevention work within the community. Workers are always available to meet with youth and adult groups to discuss the issues of street-involved youth in the community.