Thousands of Brazilian children are forced to live on the streets – in terrible poverty and constant danger. Their only way of surviving is through petty trading and begging and in the worst cases they often resort to prostitution, crime and substance abuse.

These children need help of the most basic kind – shelter, food, basic health care, social assistance and a supportive environment. And when they are ready we offer help in reuniting them with members of their family or find new homes. We also help with getting a place in school to ensure they have a real chance in the future.

building positive relationships

Many street children have left home because of violence or drug abuse.  On the streets, they rely on each other, and because they have had bad experiences with adults they often shun any help offered.

AA Criança operates a 'street duty' system, approaching street children directly and gradually building trust with them.  'Educators' from the project are regularly visible on the streets.

The children are shown that there is help available and encouraged to seek it; there is a drop-in centre where they can get washed and talk with social workers. Once they feel comfortable, they begin to tell their stories and then it becomes possible for project workers to offer ways in which they could perhaps return home or start going to school.

providing a home for the homeless

Task Brasil provides support for boys and girls of all ages in a number of shelters in Rio; at Casa Jimmy they take in abandoned babies and very young children left on the streets of Rio and provide a home with food, health care and lots of love and attention.