THE BORSTAL SYSTEM

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1925, Page 3

THE BORSTAL SYSTEM

(O.C. D’Alton. Child Welfare Oept.)

The name of the system i.s derived from that of the first prison set apart for the special treatment of young offenders. It is now nearly twenty-two years since the system was inaugurated, and the results are shown in the fact that 70 per cent, of those who have passed through the special treatment are doing well, the worst results being during the immediate post-war years, when the average fell to 60 per 100. There are several prisons set apart as “Borstal” institutions, one being at Aylesbury for girls. During a recent visit to England I was privileged to meet the director of the association. Sir AVemyss Grant-Wilsan. and through his kind offices I spent an interesting day at Feltham. a former convict prison, now devoted to the “Borstal” treatment of youthful offenders. Those coming under the system of reformation are young persons between the ages of 16 and 21. who have defied the influence of release on probation. reformatory, or prison treatment. They are usually, owing to their mode of life, very poorly educated, and probably 10 per cent, are mentally retarded, the physique of the majority is far below the average, and many suffer from disabilities which render them almost unemployable. The absolute minimum period of detention is two years, which may he extended to three; and it is found that no real reform ease can be effected under the first-mentioned period. Although a considerable amount of restraint is practised (each bo.v, for instance. is locked in a cell at night by himself, (the warders who wear plain clothes, are men selected owing to special qualifications to deal with young offenders. Continuous occupation is one of the features of the system. The actual working day is of eight hours; the inmates arise at <1 a.in. and the interval ltefore breakfast—a light meal—is tilled in by gymnastics and physical culture. I might here remark that I saw a display ef gymnastics by these hoys unrivalled by any military display I. ever witnessed, even that of Guards’ regiments. Girls are usually employed in the laundry. Boys are thoroughly grounded in farm work, or taught trades. At Feltham there is a fine engineering workshop for the benefit of hoys with a mechanical bent. Part of the evening is devoted to lectures, the rest of the time being devoted to reading and letter-writing. All are in bed hv 9.50.

As an incentive to good behaviour there i.s a system of grades, the senior bovs being akin to prefects in public schools, enjoying some small measure of authority, and above all, il they wish, the privilege to smoke. They are also absolved from any duties, and are free to follow their inclinations at the end of the day’s work at 5 p.m. To my mind, the most essential feature of Ihe system is tho “after cure” of the youngsters. To this end, sent-i.o-ed through every city and town in the United Kingdom, are Borstal associates. who are honorary officers, and whose duly il is to report on the suitability of proposed homes lor those discharged, and to keep in touch with them for two years. I lie main essential being to find them work, and to see that they are kept in employment.

Usually on discharge the former ronlinccs are allowed In go home, hut it the conditions are not considered suitable Ihe Borstal Association, to which they are released, vetoes Ihe proposition. and suitable places are found for i liem. That the work of tho association is successful may be judged from the fact that of tho 519 lads and 62 girls whos” period of supervision expired during the year 1926. <•> per cent, of the boys and 85 per cent, ol the gilds had not come within the purview ol the law at the end ot 1921. At th(> end of the year 1921 about 100!) bovs and 100 girls were in Borstal Institutions. so that it will be seen ho" great the work ol reformation has to be to cope efficiently with this number. One great difficulty at present J" render the system thoroughly effective is the dearth of employment, and eves ef the dirclor have often been I imied overseas with a vi-w to obtaining work for his charges in • ' eow count rv. I. however, assured him that I was sure proposals ol that sort would n,,t be favourably entertained in Aus tralin.