E—4

1947 NEW ZEALAND

EDUCATION: CHILD WELFARE, STATE CARE OF CHILDREN, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, AND INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION [In continuation of E.-4, 1946]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency

12th June, 1947. Sir, — In presenting my report on the work of the Child Welfare Branch for the year ended 31st March, 1947, I refer those interested to E-4, 1946, for fuller information respecting the functions of the Branch. Staffing An increasing recognition of the long-term value of organized social work amongst children has led in recent years to a strengthening of the Branch. There has been a steady increase in the number of field officers, and, with several additional positions created during the year under review, the establishment now provides for 50 male and 55 female officers in the field. The recently improved salary scales should make the Service more attractive to persons with good academic qualifications and should facilitate the recruitment of suitably qualified officers. It is still necessary, however, for officers to receive their training on the job, and we look forward to the establishment by the University colleges of a special course for those taking up social work. At present those officers undertaking University study are restricted to subjects only indirectly related to child welfare work. Officers are encouraged to keep themselves up to date by study of current literature, and with the reorganization of the Department's library it is possible to offer extended reading facilities to the staff. Honorary Child Welfare Officers The success that has attended our efforts during the year has been due in no small degree to the gratuitous services given by the Honorary Child Welfare Officers, and I take this opportunity of again expressing the Department's deep appreciation of their assistance. Many valuable miscellaneous duties are carried out by these men and women, mainly in localities where it is inconvenient for permanent officers to visit frequently or at short notice. At the 31st March, 1947, there were 230 Honorary Child Welfare Officers holding office under authority given them by the Hon. Minister.