British Citizens Open 17 Schools for Delinquents

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 78, 2 April 1938, Page 5

British Citizens Open 17 Schools for Delinquents

LONDON—A tendency of the ordinary British citizen "do it himself” rather than wait for action by the official authority above him, has been illustrated recently in connection with the provision of approved schools for delinquent children. After the Children and Young Persons Act came into force on November .1, 1933, it became apparent that there was going to be a shortage of accommodation for children who had got themselves into trouble and who would come before the juvenile courts under provisions of the act. The Home Office took occasion to point the situation out to the local authorities, and to suggest the opening of more schools. But it went further. Knowing its “public,” it appealed likewise to those voluntary organizations which play so large a part in the social affairs of Great Britain. The result hag been enlightening. In response to the warning and appeal, 21 schools have been opened, with accommodation for 13S0 boys or girls, v. the number, seven have been provided by local authorities, with accommodation fur 655 children. Voluntary organizations have made themselves responsible for the provision of 17, accommodating between them, children to the number of 695.