ILLEGITIMATE BIRTHS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29602, 26 August 1961, Page 14

ILLEGITIMATE BIRTHS

Child Welfare Investigations

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Aug. 25. illegitimate births investigated during the year totalled 3781, as against 3446 for the previous year, says the annual report of the Child Welfare Division, which the Minister for Child Welfare (Mr Shelton) tabled in the House of Representatives today Of these 3276 were notified during the year and 503 were brought forward from the previous year as inquiries not completed on March 31. 1960. Two cases previously classified as untraced were located during the year. The report says illegitimate babies comprised three main groups. Many were born to couples who were living together on a stable basis but who were either unwilling or unable to marry. In most of those cases the children were assured of adequate care and a permanent home. Consequently. there was no need for any further action by child welfare officers. In another group were those for whom the unmarried mother had already made plans to have the child adopted from birth. The third group comprised those cases where the mother hoped to keep her child and required assistance to do this. She might require living-in employment so she could have the child with her. Again, she might need help in finding a foster home for her child where he could be cared for while she went to work. The unmarried mother, the report says, generally appreciated an opportunity of discussing her difficulties with an experienced social worker. She often needed help in looking at her situation objectively and in reaching realistic decisions about her child's future. If adoption was decided upon the investigating offi-

cer could assist in arranging a placement. In special cases the mother could appoint the Superintendent of Child Welfare as 'guardian of her child and authorise him to arrange an adoption. In such cases his prior consent was necessary.