The following causes of the phenomenon of street children have been found worldwide: (1) societal stress associated with rapid industrialization and urbanization; (2) the breakdown of traditional family structures and values; (3) poverty; and (4) political factors, resulting in youths leaving home to participate in political struggles as well as to hide from the authorities. Street children often seem younger than their chronological age due to chronic malnutrition, which stunts their growth. They fear being harmed, incapacitated, arrested and getting sick. Although dropouts, most would like to go back to school in order to secure a better future. When they band together, they represent an exceptional companionship system, that replaces the family as a source of emotional and economic support. The article describes specific circumstances of street children in Nepal, Indonesia, India, Latin America, and the Philippines. References