Perception of the health of children living and working on the streets of Sunnyside. Part 2: Methodology, interpretation and recommendations.

The major risks and sources of vulnerability, to which street children may be exposed, relate to shelter, safety and nutri­ tion. Specific health risks associated with untreated ill­ nesses and injuries, glue sniffing and sexual activities, are also threatening to them. In particular, street children are in danger from: • physical exposure to cold and damp, due to lack of shelter and insufficient protective clothing; • pedestrian traffic accidents, particularly (but not only) following glue sniffing (Swart 1990:5); and • exposure to violence and physical abuse by gangs, criminal elements, adult street dwellers and police (Gebers 1990:14;Cockbum 1991:4).