Assistance for Troubled Youth

Your article was informative and true, yet a large part of the story was not told.

Yes, street kids can be hard and carry an “attitude,” but the majority are still just children. They are the kid next door, the granddaughter, the firstborn. They are bright, funny and caring people.

The “street attitude” is scary and unapproachable. The reason for this attitude is “why trust one more person?” Ninety percent of runaways have been neglected, physically and sexually abused. As a result, the “punk” defenses go up--and we miss the “child,” the child who loves candy, stuffed animals, hugs and laughter.

Programs mentioned in your article support and empower youths to healthy and positive living. So, too, does the Salvation Army’s Way-In Center in Hollywood for homeless and runaway teens. The center, in its fifth year as a drop-in center, will soon be a 20-bed youth shelter. Money, services and volunteers are needed to care for these children.

JOAN THIRKETTLE

Executive Director, The Way-In Center

Los Angeles