Santiago reports increase in children living on the streets

The foundation Acción Callejera has reported a significant increase in the number of children and adolescents living on the streets in Santiago. In the first six months of this year, the organization identified 60 minors living in public spaces, surpassing the 47 cases recorded during the entirety of last year.

Of the 60 identified minors, 35 are of Haitian nationality. Many of these children arrived in the country alone or accompanied by other minors and lack family members to care for them. Social workers noted that these children often sleep under bridges or elevated structures, exposing them to risks such as drug use, abuse, and sexual violence.

Acción Callejera is conducting social interventions to identify the reasons for these children's situations and attempt to locate relatives to ensure their protection. The foundation works in coordination with the National Council for Children and Adolescents (Conani) to refer minors who lack family support or require specialized intervention.