E—4

Preventive Work The strengthening of the staff during recent years has reduced the case-load for each officer to more reasonable numbers and has made possible a much more effective concentration on preventive work. The importance of this aspect of child welfare activity is justifiably stressed, for it is considered that appropriate measures undertaken at an early stage do in many cases prevent children with wayward tendencies from becoming delinquent. In these cases it is essential to gain the confidence not only of the child, but also of the parents, and to enlist their co-operation. Where the need for expert opinion seems desirable, the Branch avails itself of the services of psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professional persons. In addition to those children who came under the notice of the Branch through the Courts, there were during the year 1,569 children who were being dealt with under " preventive " supervision. Edward Costley Trust, Auckland During the year the trustees assisted 49 children in the Auckland District engaged in educational courses, apprenticeships, &c. This assistance took the form of grants for books, school uniforms, fees, travelling-expenses, and clothing, and was granted upon favourable recommendations being received from the District Child Welfare Officer, who made careful inquiry into each application. The majority of the children helped were fatherless or their parents were not in a position at the time to provide the necessary help. The assistance given was highly appreciated by the parents and children themselves. The work of the trust is looked upon by this Department as a most valuable adjunct to child welfare services in the community. q -g p EBK The Director of Education, Wellington, New Zealand. Superintendent.

Table 1.—Number of Children under Control and Supervision of the Child Welfare Branch at 31st March

2—E 4.

9

— 1945. 1946. 1947. iState Wards— In foster-homes With relatives or friends .. In employment (includes 6 absent at 31st March, 1945, 16 at 31st March, 1946, and 15 at the 31st March, 1947) In Government receiving homes In Government hostels In Government residential institutions In private children's homes registered under the Child Welfare Act In Roman Catholic institutions recognized under the Child Welfare Act .. In special schools for mentally backward children (see also pupils under " Other than State wards ") In refuges In hospitals, convalescent homes, &c. In residential colleges Other than State Wards— Young persons supervised by Child Welfare Officers in their own homes, with relatives, or friends, pursuant to orders of Courts Infants supervised in foster-homes registered under the Infants Act Pupils at Schools for the Deaf, Sumner and Titirangi Pupils at schools for mentally backward children (Otekaike and Richmond) (see also under " State Wards ") Children supervised as preventive cases Children in New Zealand Institute for the Blind for which the Department makes payment British children in New Zealand 1,976 526 1,022 137 25 123 108 90 139 59 36 17 1,924 520 1,006 153 31 132 105 82 129 49 40 13 1 1,858 464 922 137 26 143 95 74 127 38 32 18 4,258 4,184 3,934 1,063 799 215 47 1,905 20 1,026 909 238 45 1,629 17 915 788 250 45 1,569 24 4,049 3,864 3,591 8,307 8,048 7,525 190 46 11