The increasing and disturbing problem of homeless children in the United States is the focus of this book. Paul G Shane considers the social factors that can create homeless situations for children, and examines the personal and educational problems that can result from their homelessness. The health risks to this population - such as unsanitary living conditions, poor nutrition, physical assault and lack of access to health care - are also explored. Ethnographic case studies of homeless youth are presented, and the book concludes with recommendations for policies and programmes designed to ease the problem.