When teens leave their family or foster homes, it's usually for a variety of reasons. It can be conflict, neglect, incompatibilities, lack of communication or a hundred other causes. But no matter how difficult the situation you may be trying to escape, no matter how much you may feel you need your freedom, living on the street simply is not a good option.

If that's where you're headed, we'd like you to give it some serious thought before you take action.

Maybe you think that street life means freedom — especially freedom from your parents or adults in general. Maybe you think it's a way of experiencing new things and building a whole new identity for yourself. This is generally what we call the "honeymoon" phase of street life — when everything seems exciting, maybe even a little glamorous.

No easy street

But that never lasts for long. Street life is full of hardships. You have to fight just to survive. It takes an enormous physical and psychological toll. And it inevitably sucks the life right out of you. Sometimes in a matter of days. You'll eventually get caught up in a bunch of things that will haunt you for a long time — drugs, prostitution and worse — and alienate you from the most important people in your life.

Running away may seem like your only choice. It isn't. Find out what alternatives you really have. [More]

There are many resources available for kids in crisis in the Greater Montreal area. Learn about some resources that can help save your life. [More]

Dans la rue is an important resource for kids in crisis and kids living on the streets. We can help you make better choices, help keep you safe on the street and help get you back off the street. [More]

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