WARDS OF THE STATE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 30 March 1931, Page 8

WARDS OF THE STATE

SOCIAL WORKERS’ VIEWS WELFARE BRANCH PRAISED EFFICIENT INSPECTION EXISTS A correspondent of the N.Z. llcrurges investigation of the system of boarding out children who are wards of the State, the general suggestion bring that sonic children arc not placed in suitable homes and that there are rasrs of ‘‘.slavery.” It is impossible to curry out any independent investigation which would be of any value, says the “Herald.” _ The scope ot the work of the branch is too vast. It may not bo generally known that last- year there were no less than 7006 children under its supervision. Of those. 'lBlB were State wards, of whom 2939 were in foster-homes, hostels or will, friends. 1031 in situations. 288 in Government institutions, receiving homes, 'etc., 292 in private institutions, and 267 in special schools tor the mentally backward. In addition, 870 were supervised in their own homos by order of the Court, 1204 were infants supervised in foster homes registered under I lie Infants Act and 114 were pupils at The school for the deal'.

A GROW IN G RESPONSIBILITY It is a melancholy fact that the grand total of children under the supervision of the branch has increased rapidly of recent years. In 1926 the figure was 5253, in 1927 5592, in 1928 5816, in 1929 6364, and in 1930, 7006. Possibly the rise is partly accounted for by a growing sense of responsibility toward unfortunate or neglected children, but there is tittle doubt that, another factor has been the increase of domestic disruptive influcncns. The cost to the S’talo is large. The expenditure of the branch last year was £166.326 loss £34,595, representing payments by parents and others, and the sale of farm produce. It is obvious t-liat no ordinary inquiry in regard to the administration of an organisation of such dimensions .would lie of any value, and for the same reason it would be dangerous to generalise from particular cases ill which the evidence is mainly of a hearsay character. Inquiry lias liooii pursued, however, in quarters where the best- knowledge of the operations of the branch is held. DEFENCE OF THE BRANCH

-Major Gordon, of the Salvation Army, is in close touch with the welfare branch. She hits been engaged in the social work of the city for over 20 years and while she may place more faith in

“institutional upbringing” than the welfare administration, she declares her absolute confidence in the general efficiency of the officers in control of the branch. She referred to recent criticism and “cases.” She knew every one of them and some of them were years old. But an entirely wrong . impression had been

given. “1 am 100 busy (o go into details. ’ she said. “I have just been called out to go to the rescue of a family which appears to be in dire straits, just- the sort of family, indeed, which may have to be found a lioinc either by an institution or by the welfare branch. And in passing I might sav that, the welfare people go to great pains to see that a family is not separated.

“INSPECTION IS EFFICIENT” As io the types of homes- available, you may accept my assurance that selections arc made with care, and inspection is efficient. Most social workers sometimes recommend suitable homes themselves. and it is well-nigh impossible for children to suffer in the manner rumour lias it. Sometimes a. child may run away. There is nothing surprising about that. Many of us would run away under the same circumstances before we settled down. Tn some cases the child does noti “lake” to the selected person and then another house or institution may be tried. Speaking with us good a knowledge of the work ns anyone, I would say that I am ensv in my mind about (lie way Slate wards are cared for.”

Major Gordon made it clear that she was not a blind supporter of all the Welfare Branch did. For instance, she believed that Hie older wards should be allowed more of their money. But apart from such details she had no hesitation in applauding the work which, she said, was in the hands of people with a fine humanitarian spirt.

Y.M.C.A. OPINION FAVOURABLE An entirely favourable opinion of tile portion of the welfare work with which lie was familiar was expressed by Mr V. Drew, general secretary ot' the Y.M.C.A., which, along with the Roman Catholic Church, carries on a “big Brother” movement. Briefly, its purpose is to help to steady boys who may be inclined to slip. He was impressed with the deep senses of responsibility displayed in their charges by the officials of the branch. They were the type of men who regarded their work not as a job, but as a calling and an opportunity for service.

Even with boys cared for by the “big brother” group, inspection did not slacken. lie had occasionally heard of cases where wards in private homes were supposed to be neglected and had reported them. It was hardly possible that every home to. which a- ward was sent would prove suitable, but he was confident that the inspection system was an adequate safeguard against abuses. In one case he had resported, the inspector found everything satisfactory as far as he could see. Again, a complaint was laid, the suggestion being that the peoplo had had warning and had prepared ■ for the visit. Again the inspector called and though he was not able to find evidence, he had the boy removed. There is nothing perfect in this imperfect world,, and doubtless there are State wards whose lives, might bo happier just as there are many children living at home who do not find life a bed of roses, but the evidence of Major Gordon and Mr Drew is welcome.