Children under the age of 18 years who run away or are kicked out of their homes are urged to seek accommodation at any of the street children's shelters registered with the provincial Department of Social Development.
Short-term accommodation for children in need falls into three categories: shelters, homes and places of safety.
Shelters are for children who find themselves on the street after running away from a bad situation at home or being kicked out of home.
Children's homes are for children who have been removed from their family homes because they were being abused, neglected or exploited.
Places of Safety offer short-term care for both children who have been abused, neglected or exploited as well as children who have violated the law and are awaiting trial or an inquiry.
All children who seek accommodation at a shelter are assessed by a social worker. The social worker will then draw up an individual development plan.
After assessing the child's situation, the social worker will assess whether the child is a suitable candidate for reunification with his or her family of origin, or at least his or her community of origin. If the home situation seems too dangerous, the social worker may consider recommending that the child be taken into foster care.