Re-Examining Data and Actions for Children and Families at Risk on the Streets

The phenomenon of street children and their families living or working on the streets, being a significant indicator of the overall poverty situation in the Philippines has been the focus of several studies in recent decades. Many of these studies have attempted to determine the magnitude of this social problem as well as come up with a definition of the phenomenon. Street families confronting different form of deprivations and social exclusion and despite sustained and concerted efforts of government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) to reduce it, its persistence has kept the Philippines bound to its current state of human development. To date, there is no available information or data on the estimated number of children and families at risk on the streets, making it difficult to implement programs and services and a national policy projected the most desirable outcomes- harmonized and effective efforts and biggest reduction of prevalence of street dwelling.