Huck falls in an age group, from around 12-16, where support systems at home and society are most important to assure the safety and security of the growing child.

Unfortunately for Huck, he is basically an abandoned child- who is also emotionally scarred by an alcoholic father who not only deserts him, but once he is back with him, beats him up.

Huck had no concept of what normality was, and living with Widow Douglas was no picnic either. He depended on whoever gave him the attention that he deserved, and the only place he got it from was probably Jim.  

On and all, Poor Huck is literally alone in this world.