This timely book explores the complex and persistent problem of street kids in America, children who have run away or been forced to leave home. Precipitating factors that lead to homelessness are explored, including childhood sexual abuse and neglect, drug abuse, mental health and behavioral problems, sexual promiscuity, and issues related to gender identity. These children often become the victims of sexual exploitation by pimps, prostitution customers, pornographers, and pedophiles. Violence, sexually transmitted diseases, and substance abuse frequently result from life on the streets. Of particular interest are laws and programs designed to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of these vulnerable youth.