CHILDREN EVACUEES

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3761, 23 September 1940, Page 5

CHILDREN EVACUEES

PROVISION FOR WELFARE REGULATIONS ISSUED Detailed provisions for the welfare of children arriving in New Zealand from Britain as a result of the war are contained in regulations gazetted under the title British Children Emergency Regulations, 1940. These regulations, which it is understood are in line with measures adopted in other Dominions, provide that all children brought to New Zealand under an arrangement entered into with the British Government shall be deemed to be under the care of the superintendent of the Child Welfare Branch of the Education Department. It is felt they should be under the care of a competent authority and, as the functions of this branch cover the whole of child care, placement and general upbringing, it is regarded as a proper one for the task. The regulations set out clearly the position relating to foster-par-ents in New Zealand, namely, that for the duration of the war and for any further period during which the children remain in their custody, they will maintain them at their own expense, provide proper schooling, facilities for religious training and generally care, for the children as if they were their own. It is indicated there will be no necessity for special formal agreements between the superintendent and foster-parents. It is intended that any visits made to fosterhomes by authorised persons shall be in the nature of friendly contacts with the sole object of helping the child and the foster-parents. Steps will be taken to keep the parents informed in Britain regarding the progress and general welfare of their children.