Crooked trees growing straight: The experiences of boys transitioning off the streets of La Paz, Bolivia

There is a growing number of children living on the streets around the world. While a relatively robust body of research describes the dangers associated with street life and the characteristics related to street adaptation, there is a paucity of research related to intervention with this population and nothing that directly addresses what it takes to transition off of the streets. This qualitative study examines the experiences of 10 former street boys in La Paz, Bolivia who successfully transitioned off of the streets through a residential program. It documents their journeys from their original homes onto the streets, and then off of the streets through residential care, focusing specifically on how the boys characterized the transition process and what they believe enabled their transition success. Data was collected through interviews and focus groups, and a grounded theory approach to analysis was used. Findings revealed faith and relationships as key mechanisms of resilience, and highlighted the critical value of education as it relates to identity and future orientation. Implications for preventive work with families and school-based interventions are discussed, as well as strategies for residential care that involves shared responsibilities with families.