{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,28]],"date-time":"2026-08-28T05:51:05Z","timestamp":1787896265786,"version":"build-2784847793"},"reference-count":43,"publisher":"AOSIS","issue":"1","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["curationis"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Background: The effects of daily abuse and hardship on the streets lead to poor mental health\u00a0in children living on the streets, resulting in them choosing ineffective and self-destructive\u00a0coping strategies that impact their physical health and overall sense of wellbeing. The\u00a0facilitation of the mental health of children living on the streets who are subjected to daily\u00a0threats to their survival is thus crucial.Objectives: The aim of this research was to explore and describe the lived experiences of\u00a0children living on the streets of Hillbrow, Johannesburg.Method: The research design was qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual. A\u00a0purposive sample was selected through a temporary shelter in Johannesburg, Gauteng,\u00a0South Africa and consisted of 14 male children living on the streets. Data were collected\u00a0using drawings, in-depth phenomenological interviews and field notes. The central interview\u00a0opening statement was: \u2018Tell me about your life on the street\u2019.Results: The results obtained indicated that children living on the streets are threatened,\u00a0exploited and exposed to physical, sexual and emotional abuse on a daily basis by the\u00a0community, the authorities and other street dwellers. This leads to feelings of sadness, fear,\u00a0anxiety, misery, despair, hopelessness, helplessness and suicide ideation, which in turn lead to\u00a0drug abuse and criminal activities. In contrast, positive feelings of sympathy for other children\u00a0living on the streets emerged and these children also displayed perseverance, resilience and a\u00a0striving for autonomy.Conclusion: Street life exposes children to a variety of experiences, both positive and negative.\u00a0A striving after autonomy is clearly depicted by these children, who are able to tap into a range\u00a0of responses, both on- and off-street.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.4102\/curationis.v38i1.1274","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2015,5,22]],"date-time":"2015-05-22T13:45:50Z","timestamp":1432302350000},"source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":28,"title":["The lived experiences of children living on the streets of 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