Thousands of vulnerable children arrive frightened and alone at rail and bus terminals every day. Some are passing through having fallen prey to groomers, traffickers or drug gangs. Others are lost miles from home.
For most, child abuse and neglect, poverty, family conflict, destructive relationships and lack of support have forced them to go in search of safety. And children as young as five head to the streets to find sanctuary.
At Railway Children, we work with families before a child turns to the streets, while they're on the streets and after we've got them to safety. We make transport hubs safe places, hostile to potential abusers and we empower the public to play their part in protecting vulnerable children and young people. We bridge the gaps in social and government systems and are leading the change to improve laws, policies and practices needed to better protect vulnerable children. We’re making sure street children are recognised by policymakers, that their stories are heard and that procedures are put in place to keep them safe.
