Strengthening the tie that binds: Preventing family disintegration in the shantytowns of Lima, Peru

Children living on the streets of Lima, Peru are struggling for survival. The origins and characteristics of the families of poor children often determine whether they leave home. In a comparison of the backgrounds of street children living alone and working children living with their families, the possibilities for preventing a child's departure emerge. Using 50 semi-structured interviews conducted with street and working children in Lima between May--August, 2000, this study observes the differences between the two populations. Significant findings include the benefit of extended family living in poor families' homes, the nurture that women in the home provide, and the ability for children's perceptions of the home and family to overshadow their lack of physical amenities.