The living situation in slums was bad and an unhealthy enviroment, especially for children.
Explanation:
Living in a bad situation indicates the people are in need of resources and supplies for their families. Boys should handle this tough situation in serving their families.
So, by loitering in the streets, this resulted in them being captured by the police and they'd be send to the reformatory. This reformatory is sutied for the people with negative minds and it does not improve the lives of young people.