To the Youth Station's volunteers the stories in the Oct. 3 article "Beginning of life on the streets" were not new or surprising. Since March of 1998 when the Youth Station opened up its doors at the Transit Center, we have listened to youths tell us how they feel safer in the streets than they do in their homes -- whether residing with their biological or foster care providers.

A high number of these youths have a personal history of crime, drug and alcohol abuse and have been in and out of treatment centers, jail and foster care. Many are on probation and continue to be attracted to a life of crime. A high majority of these youths have never bonded with their family or others in our community. My biggest fear is that Anchorage is only beginning to suffer from detached youths like Josh Wade.

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