CHILD DELINQUENTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 99, 18 July 1927, Page 7

CHILD DELINQUENTS

EFFECT OF WELFARE ACT ADDRESS BY MRS. FERNER The work of the Children’s Court and matters relating to the welfare of the young, formed the subject of an interesting address given by Mrs. N. Ferner, a justice of the peace, and an associate of the Children's Court, at a meeting of the League of New Zealand Penwomen. Mrs. Stuart Boyd, president of the league, occupied the chair. Since the passing of the Child Welfare Act in 1925, said Mrs. Ferner, many reforms had been effected in dealing with young offenders. With the object of avoiding the publicity and the deteriorating influences connected with the Police Court the Children’s Court had been established.

Although the setting up of the court was a step in the right direction there was still need for more progressive organisation with regard to the procedure of the court. There was too much formality, and the presence of a policeman in uniform very often affected children, who became nervous and less responsive when questioned by the magistrate. EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT

The speaker stressed the need for healthy surroundings if children were to grow up healthy in body and mind. It would be generally acknowledged that children progressed most satisfactorily when brought up under the care of parents who gave them a sound education, with moral and religious training. The plastic mind of a child was greatly affected by environment, and when this was considered it was not surprising that children living under adverse conditions developed an early criminal propensity.

In order to correct these tendencies young offenders were often placed in private homes, where they were given an opportunity to start again along the right lines. At present there were 5,000 children under the care of the State, in private homes scattered throughout the Dominion. The Play Association was now working with much success in providing the children with healthy amusement and instruction, and in that way was instrumental in keeping them off the

streets. The Community Club, recently opened in the old school building in Napier Street, was working successfully toward the same end.