Seeking to reunite children with their families wherever possible

Toybox believes in families and the relationships that can be shared between family members.

There are many different factors that can determine why a child goes onto the streets (read about them in more detail here). A child may venture into the city to try and earn some money, but then find they do not have enough for the bus fare home. Another child may find that the freedom the city offers is a strong enough incentive to leave home for the bright lights. Wherever possible, Toybox seeks to reunite children with their families. The family unit is one of security and love, and so, providing the situation is suitable, reintegration is always our main goal.

Carlos arrived from the Peruvian mountains to work on the streets during his school vacations. He cleaned cars, sold candies and sang songs in the buses to earn a little money. Soon it was time to go home, but Carlos could not get the money to return to his home city. The night that he couldn’t pay the rent, the owner didn't allow him back; and he had to sleep in the park. Two days passed, until Carlos was found by one of the Red Alert team who look out for new arrivals on the street. Carlos joined a temporary residential program before being reunited with his mother and returning home. Now he is safe and has hope for the future.

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Go on to: School & Vocational Training - Homes

Once a child has been identified after coming off the streets, any family links are searched for. The situation is then assessed to determine whether it is safe and practical for a child to return home. In some cases, the family cannot afford to care for the child. In other cases, especially when violence and abuse are reported, it is not safe for the child to return home. In these cases, we are able to offer alternative care and shelter. In all situations, the welfare of the children and the stability of their futures are prioritised. We have seen many wonderful moments of joy as families have been reunited, and have heard some amazing stories of reintegration when all hope of being reunited had gone.