[Adolescent homicide victims in Southern Brazil: situations of vulnerability as reported by families].

This study focused on homicide deaths of adolescents (ages 10 to 19 years) in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 1997. Data were obtained from the Mortality Information System (SIM) of the Municipal Health Department. Families were visited at the addresses found on death certificates and were interviewed by two researchers. Of the 68 cases selected, 57 families were visited; eight families refused to be interviewed, and three addresses were not found. Most of the adolescents were socially vulnerable, as indicated by low per capita income and parental educational level; 78.9% had dropped out of school. Males were the predominant victims of adolescent homicide deaths (91.2%). Behavioral vulnerability was demonstrated as follows: 40.4% of the adolescents consumed alcoholic beverages and 45.6% illicit drugs, and 58.6% had criminal records or a history of custody at FEBEM (the State Juvenile Custody Facilities) or police arrests. The study highlights the importance of coordinating actions among different sectors to reach adolescents both at home and in the schools and communities.