CHILDREN FROM STRICKEN AREA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 20 February 1931, Page 5

CHILDREN FROM STRICKEN AREA

CHILD WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S ACTION MINISTER OUTLINES POSITION The Hon. Harry Atmore. Minister of Education, stated to-day that in view of the number of children from the devastated area in Hawkes Bay who have been placed out in private homes, either direct or from refugee camps, and also of the fact that a number of applications have been received by the Child Welfare Branch of his Department from people who are willing to take such children and in some cases adopt children who have lost their parents as a result of the earthquake, he considered it necessary to make a public announcement covering the position. The Minister said that if all such cases were reported to the nearest District Officer of the Child Welfare branch arrangements would be made for investigation and action. In the course of its ordinary duties the branch is required to investigate and report on all applications for adoptions, and under the provisions of Part V. of the Infants Act it also supervises all cases where children under six years of age are maintained, whether for payment or not, in private homes apart from their parents. Child Welfare Officers exist in the principal centres and the officers attached thereto can always be referred to and are- available to give advice, to make .investigations, or to supervise any child or family who, in these special circumstances, is likely to require social readjustment. Mr Atmore invites the co-operation of relief committees and private social service organisations particularly, in the direction of notifying the nearest Child Welfare Officer of any cases where children have been placed, either with a view to adoption or for board, other than merely temporary arrangements. Foster parents of State children or of children placed under the Infant Life Protection system, who have removed from the devastated area, should com municate as early as possible with the nearest Child Welfare Officer.