The term street children refers to children for whom the street more than their family has become their real home. It includes children who might not necessarily be homeless or without families, but who live in situations where there is no protection, supervision, or direction from responsible adults. According to the widely accepted UNICEF definition, street children are divided into two main categories:

Children on the street spend most of their time in the street and are engaged in some kind of economic activity to contribute to the household. They are also called 'street working children'. They often have a home to go to at the end of the day and usually don't sleep on the streets.

Children of the street live on the street. They are also called 'street living children' and have cut ties and relations with their families. The street has become both their workplace and home.