Growing number of street children in Santiago raises alarm

The rising number of children and adolescents living on the streets of Santiago, Dominican Republic, is alarming local institutions dedicated to supporting this vulnerable population. In the first half of 2024, the foundation Acción Callejera identified 60 minors living on public streets, a sharp increase from the 47 cases recorded throughout the entire previous year.

Eduardo Cruz, coordinator of Acción Callejera's Street Intervention Program, stated that the 60 identified minors represent currently assisted cases, but the actual number could be higher as the survey focuses mainly on Santiago's urban center. Of these children, 35 are Haitian nationals, many of whom arrived alone or with other minors and lack family support.

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Sleeping on the street is a difficulty and a risk.

These children often sleep in precarious conditions under overpasses or bridges, exposing them to numerous dangers, including substance abuse, mistreatment, and sexual violence, Cruz explained. Acción Callejera works to identify the reasons for their street life, locate families, and ensure their protection and return to safe environments.

The organization collaborates with the National Council for Children and Adolescents (Conani) for minors needing specialized care or lacking relatives. For unaccompanied Haitian minors, efforts are made to connect with institutions in Haiti for family reunification, though some children return to the streets shortly after. The presence of these minors is particularly noticeable at traffic lights, supermarkets, and busy commercial areas, where they are often seen selling goods or begging.

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Wherever there is a traffic light, businesses, and supermarkets, there is a child outside asking on the street.