AFTER-CARE SOCIETY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30144, 30 May 1963, Page 2

AFTER-CARE SOCIETY

Employment For' 22

Twenty-two members of the Christchurch Special Class After-care Society were placed in employment during the last.year. The society’s social worker (Mrs D L. McCulloch' said in her annual report that of the 22. all but six remained in work; and of the six, several worked for some months. There were 20 members, said Mrs McCulloch. 10 boys and 10 girls at the Sheltered Workshops Staff officers and factorymanagers were beiqg visited Fewer openings seemed to be available for the more backward. but those placed were staying longer, said the report.

Two classes for young persons who have left school are running successfully, and have full rolls. With the co-operation of the Canterbury Manufacturers' Association a work experience scheme for senior special class pupils has been put into practice.

Closer contacts made by the society with several organisations and Government departments (including Vocational Guidance. Child Welfare Division, the Justice and Labour Departments, the Salvation Army Mary lands school and trades unions) had been of mutual advantage, the report said. “The effectiveness of our work depends upon its being done with as little publicity as possible,” says the financial report of the society. However, with growing numbers (203 as against 159 in 1961, and 105 in 1960) and wider activities. financial commitments were increasing. A number of trusts had given continued and generous support, but the report expressed hopes that greater support would be given to the Friends of the Society scheme during the coming year.

The following officers were elected:— Chairman, Mrs B. B. Blackmore: deputy-chairman, Mr R. I. Archibald; secretarytreasurer, Mr J. E. Stuart; committee, Mrs M. I. Ashley, Miss C. E. Robinson, Messrs E. Carter. L. Coughlan, B. Rich, D. T. Stewart, B. J. Wilson. Brother Thaddeus.