Street children are a marginalized group with limited access to education, health care and other services (Women’s Commission for Refugee Women and Children, 2004). They are also frequently subjected to different forms of abuse, neglect, deprivation, hazards of living on the streets and an increased risk of psychoactive substance use (Aderinto, 2000; Carlini-Cotrim & Carlini, 1988; Gutierrez, Vega, & Perez, 1992; Ojanuga, 1989; Smart et al., 1981; WHO, 1993).

It is estimated that there are about 100 million street children worldwide, especially in developing countries (WHO, 1993, 1996). There are regional estimates of 40 million in Latin America, 25–30 million in Asia, and over 10 million in Africa. However, street children are not a homogenous group but vary significantly according to their different sociocultural backgrounds and geographical locations (Ennew, 2003).

Nigeria is a culturally diverse nation with over 250 different languages. It has an estimated population of 140 million people with 48% less than 15 years old (Federal Ministry of Health, 1996). Similar to worldwide observations, street children in Nigeria are best understood in terms of the diversity of culture in the various communities.

Street children in southern Nigeria are more likely to be found roaming the streets as ‘‘area boys,’’ bus conductors, hawkers, vendors or engaged in other menial jobs, usually to augment low family incomes or to fend for themselves (Aderinto, 2000; Ebigbo, 2003; Mbakogu, 2004; UNICEF, 1996). In the northern parts of the country, they are usually found as Almajiris; seated in clusters on the streets for lessons on the Qur’an, begging for alms, roaming the streets, or engaged in menial jobs in exchange for food (Ebigbo, 2003; Mbakogu, 2004; Ojanuga, 1989).