EDUCATION: CHILD WELFARE, STATE CARE OF CHILDREN, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, AND INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION [In continuation of E.-4, 1943]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1944 Session I, E-04

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1944 NEW ZEALAND

EDUCATION: CHILD WELFARE, STATE CARE OF CHILDREN, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, AND INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION [In continuation of E.-4, 1943]

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

Sir, — 28th July, 1944. I have the honour to present my report on the work of the Child Welfare Branch for the year ended 31st March, 1944. In doing so I wish, by way of introduction, to mention briefly its main activities, viz:— (!) Preventive work—that is, the inquiry in the early stages into cases of difficulty with children or of bad adjustment in the home, with a view to applying remedial measures or to arranging for assistance in cases of need: (2) Supervision and general placement and care of all children committed to the care of the Department through the Children's Courts: (3) Administration of State institutions for children and young people who cannot be placed in the community, including institutions for handicapped children: (4) Visiting and oversight of all children placed by the Courts under the legal supervision of Child Welfare Officers: (5) Inquiry and investigation of all cases coming before Children's Courts: (6) Inquiries into cases of illegitimate births, to ensure that proper provision is being made for each child, and for the mother where necessary: (7) Administration of the Infants. Act (Part Y), licensing of foster-homes, and supervision of infants placed therein: (8) Inquiry into applications for adoption of children: (9) Registration and inspection of private institutions and children's homes. Staffing.—Although some additional women field officers were appointed during the year we are still understaffed on the men's side. Travelling restrictions imposed as a war necessity have made the work of visiting more difficult and lessened somewhat those contacts between Welfare Officers and children which are so necessary for satisfactory adjustments to be made. The officers, however, have all worked long hours to keep their work up to a reasonable standard. During the year the Boys' Welfare Officer attached to the Head Office was transferred to another Branch of the Department. A Male Inspector of Child Welfare was appointed and has taken up his new duties. I regret having to record the death of two promising officers—Mr. McCabe and Mr. C. Wilson-Grant. The former, who died on active service, was attached to the teaching staff of the Special. School for Boys at Otekaike, and the latter, who was Manager of the Boys' Training Centre, Levin, died after a brief illness. We have drawn our officers in the past principally from the teaching and nursing services or services connected with youth organizations of various kinds. We can provide for training on the job, and I am pleased to say that the welfare officers, including the juniors appointed during recent years, have taken courses of study and reading to fit them better for their work. We are looking forward to the establishment by the University colleges of special courses for those taking up social service work. A commencement has been made with the appointment of trainees to the clerical and institutional divisions of the Branch with a view to their qualifying for field-work later. ■ The efficiency test for Child Welfare Officers conducted by the Public Service Commissioner provides for a high standard of knowledge and efficiency. It is satisfactory to note that many officers were successful in passing the examinations. Honorary Child Welfare Officers. —In order to assist the Department with the supervision of young children appearing before the Courts and with other children in need of care, honorary Child Welfare Officers are appointed by the Hon. the Minister, more especially in suburban and country districts. This policy has proved of very material help in the conduct of child welfare work. The number has now increased to 250 men and women in all walks of life, all animated by an earnest desire to do something useful for those in. need. By this means closer contact can be made with the children than it would be possible for the permanent officers of the Department to provide. I wish to take this opportunity of recording the Department's grateful thanks for the gratuitous services so freely rendered by them during the year. Opening of New Districts.—ln order to cope better with the work, approval was given by the Minister for the establishment of child welfare centres in four new districts —

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Rotorua, Ashburton, Taumarunui, and Blenheim. Owing to the difficulty of obtaining staff it has been possible so far to open the two first-named only. Child Welfare Institutions.—Our child welfare institutions, including receiving homes, boys' homes, hostels, and the residential institutions for the training of older children, were kept full during the year. At the 31st March there were 261 children in residence at these places. The health of the inmates was very good. Hostels. —The Girls' Hostel in Wellington provides accommodation for girls employed in the city in offices, factories, &c. The Matron reports that the general health of the girls has been excellent and all the girls were doing well. A good programme of leisuretime and recreational activities was provided. This hostel also serves a useful purpose in temporarily accommodating girls passing through Wellington. The Boys' Hostel in Auckland provides for some of the working-boys in Auckland City. There were 10 boys in residence at the 31st March, and they were all doing well. Girls' Home, Burwood.—During the year the programme of recreational and educational activities was further developed. The Senior Inspector of Schools in Christchurch and his staff, as well as many private persons, helped considerably in this connection. The programme of activities for the girls includes physical education, hand work, music and drama, dancing, organized games, singing, and first-aid classes. A film-projector was provided during the year. Ten of the girls are taking courses of instruction through the Department's Correspondence School, and one girl hopes to sit for University Entrance at the end of the year. The section for junior girls providing for day-school instruction was opened during the year. Training Centre, Levin.—Additional sleeping-accommodation for inmates is now in the course of erection. These additions are being erected by the staff and the boys. At the 31st March there were 28. boys in residence, and during the year 47 were admitted and 59 were placed out in the community. The training at this institution is along positive lines and has already been productive of excellent results as shown by the response made by the boys themselves. A full programme of training and recreational facilities is provided. The work of the technical classes in woodwork, including general repairs to buildings and equipment, was further developed during the year. New Institutions. —A property has been secured to enable better classification and training of older Maori girls to be undertaken, and this institution will be opened in the near future. Hostels for girls in two other larger centres have become an urgent necessity, and an endeavour is being made to secure suitable premises for the purpose. An institution with a school attached is being opened shortly to provide for young boys who require special training. Another institution to provide for the better classification of older delinquent boys is to be established as soon as suitable premises can be secured. Placement in Foster-homes.—With a few exceptions requiring a period of institution training, children of school age are placed in selected foster-homes: this system works very satisfactorily. However, even although some increase was made during the year in the rates of payment for these children, we are still experiencing great difficulty, largely owing to war conditions, in finding sufficient suitable foster-homes. Teachers of schools, and honorary Child Welfare Officers, and the churches assist the Department very materially in the oversight of the children. I cannot speak too highly of the fine services rendered by foster-parents, over a long period of years in many cases, in giving homes to our State wards. I know of no finer service to the community. The children thus placed form contacts in the community which last them throughout life. They still keep in touch with their foster-homes long after they leave, and after marriage proudly bring their own infants along to show their foster-parents. There were 1,980 children placed in foster-homes at the 31st March. It has to be remembered that the majority of these children come under our care through no fault of their own. Their response to a good environment is one of the most gratifying features of this work, and, with very few exceptions, they turn out fine citizens. Education.—The school-leaving age has now been raised to fifteen years, but even when it was fourteen we always tried to keep the children at school for a longer period, except in those cases where it was considered the child would be better and happier at work of some kind. At the 31st March, 287 children were receiving post-primary education—of these, 99 were taking technical courses; 19 commercial; 9 home science; and 8 Maori children were attending Maori colleges—the remainder were taking professional or other courses. The teachers and principals of the primary and post-primary schools take an active interest in our children. Placement in Employment.—At the 31st March there were 1,486 young people placed in employment as follows: farm situations, 449; factories, 167; shops and offices, 112; domestic work, 173; and the remainder (585) in some 30 different occupations. Of the total number, 53 were apprenticed to trades and 338 were receiving some assistance—e.g., with their board, clothing, books, fees—from the Department in the early stages of their employment. It is satisfactory to note that, except in a comparatively few cases, State wards who are placed out are receiving standard rates of wages. In the few cases of under-rate payment it may be stated that the young people concerned are, for reasons of physical or mental handicap, unable to compete on equal terms with their fellows. In all such cases we keep in close contact with the local officers of the Labour Department. When the time comes for placing out, care is taken in choosing the right kind of employment and the right kind of employer to meet the needs of individual children. The services of the Department's Vocational Guidance Officers are freely utilized in this connection. All children placed in employment are now given their initial outfit free of cost, but they are usually charged for replacements. Part of their' wages is banked for them and they are

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trained to spend their earnings to the best advantage. They are encouraged and. assisted to link up with clubs of various kinds. Discharges from Control.—The average age of the 70!) children discharged from control during the year was sixteen years and six months. The policy is to discharge a child as soon as lie reaches an age when he can fend for himself or when assistance from the Department is no longer regarded as necessary. There is an impression abroad that once the Branch obtains control it retains it until the child reaches the age of twenty-one years, but the above shows the actual position. Even where children are removed from their parents because of the faults of the latter wc always give the parents hope, and encourage them, so to order their homes and their ways of living that they may ultimately have their children back with them. This actually occurs in a large number of cases. We then retain control for a year or two to satisfy ourselves that conditions are satisfactory before finally discharging the children from control. For those few who require extra care or assistance control may be retained up to twenty or twenty-one years. Maori Children. —In certain districts there is definitely a problem to be faced in connection with the welfare of Maori children. It would not be possible, even if it were desirable to do so, to remove any large number of these children and place them in institutions. Constant attention from the welfare officers and others, including officers of the Health Department and Native-school teachers, has in the majority of cases proved to be efficacious in ensuring reasonable conditions. Closer contact was made during the year between many District Maori Councils or Committees and liaison officers appointed to act ■as a link with our District Child "Welfare Officers. Very satisfactory results have attended this practice, which it is hoped to extend still further. I am satisfied that the Maoris themselves must be given a large share in the responsibility of providing for the betterment of families — with assistance from Government officials to back them up when required. A difficulty is the suitable placement of the Maori child when the time comes for him to leave school. Active steps are being taken by the Department, through the teachers and the Vocational Guidance Officers, to bridge the gap between the school and employment. In cases presenting behaviour problems, the Branch has, either with the consent of the parents or through order's of the Children's Court, assumed control of children and taken steps to place them in suitable employment with safeguards regarding tftie Spending of their wages and the use of their leisure time. Committals and Admissions. —The number of committals by Courts during the year was 10 fewer than last year — 586 as against 596. The private admissions show an increase —160 as against 92 — and this is accounted for largely by the increased numbers admitted to special schools under the Education Act. Infant-life Protection. —The foster-homes in which infants up to six years of. age are placed apart from their parents are required to be registered under the provisions of Part V of the Infants Act, 1908. The homes are first inspected by Child Welfare Officers. If the home is suitable a license is issued, and thereafter, when children are placed, the home is subject to regular inspection to ensure that the health and general welfare of the infant are adequately safeguarded. There were 625 licensed homes at the 31st March, and the number of infants placed was 798. The relatives pay for maintenance under an agreement which has to be approved by the Superintendent or his authorized officers. This is to ensure that adequate provision, according to the needs of the case, is provided for the maintenance of each infant so placed. Many children remain in these homes after the age of six years, and quite a number are adopted by their foster-parents. Adoptions.—The number of children adopted annually is rapidly rising in the Dominion. Applications come generally from those couples who have no children or who for other sufficient reason desire to make some child their own. Child Welfare Officers report to the Courts on all adoptions, and the responsibility for making the order of adoption rests with the Magistrate. The number of children adopted last year was 854, as against 685 the previous year. The ages varied from a few days upwards, but the majority adopted were in the group from infants up to five years of age. This is, of course, the best time for adoption, and, with the safeguards provided through the Courts and by this Branch, it is very satisfactory to record that almost without exception adoptions turn out successfully; proceedings for cancellation of orders are extremely rare. Registered Children's Homes.—Under the Child Welfare Amendment Act of : 1927, children's homes conducted by private organizations are required to be registered as such and to be open to inspection by officers of the Branch. There arc 83 such homes, and from returns submitted by them, there were 2,928 children in residence on the 31st December, 1943, as against 2,789 for the previous year. With regard to the parental state, it was reported that in the cases of 138 children both parents were dead, in 213 cases the fathers were dead, and in 540 cases the mothers were deceased. In some of the homes improvements to buildings and other amenities were carried out by the controlling authorities during the year, and in others improvements are to be put in hand as soon as circumstances permit. Officers of the Health Department accompanied the Welfare Officers in their visits to many of the homes, and their recommendations regarding dietary and health matters generally were gladly accepted by the authorities. The reports of the inspecting officers showed that during the year a generally satisfactory state of affairs was recorded so far as the conduct of these homes and the health and welfare of the inmates was concerned. Illegitimate Births. —From information supplied by the Registrar-General there was an increase in the number of illegitimate births for the year 1943, there being 1,467, as against 1,339 in 1942. All illegitimate births are notified confidentially to nominated officers of this Branch, and they inquire into the circumstances of each case with a view

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to ascertaining whether the mother or the infant is in need of assistance. It is satisfactory to report that in the great majority of the cases the near relatives had made satisfactory arrangements for the care of the infants. Where this is done no further action is taken by our officers. An endeavour is always made to help the mother to keep her infant should she so desire. At times the child is committed to my care and the mother helped to maintain it. Often the mother marries later and then applies for her child, when the Department assists her with the adoption proceedings. Of the numbers born during the year, 56 were committed by the Courts, and, in addition, 105 others were committed during the year. Edward Costley Trust, Auckland. —This Trust continues its good work. During the year the Trustees financially assisted 79 children in Auckland with educational courses, apprenticeships, &c. The Trustees require a report and recommendation in each case from the local District Child Welfare Officer. This Trust helps annually a large number of deserving young people, who, almost without exception, have shown their appreciation of what had been done by making the best use of the assistance granted. Special Schools.—Schools for the Deaf: During the year the military authorities vacated the school premises at Sumner, and the children who had been previously in residence at temporary premises in Christchurch were transferred back to the main institution. It is still found necessary to continue the temporary premises acquired for the School at Titirangi, near Auckland. There was a considerable influx of new pupils, mostly young children, during the year, with the result that the North Island school is full to capacity, and the South Island one is also reaching this stage. The roll numbers at the two schools combined rose from 126 in March, 1943, to 175 in March, 1944. Twenty-seven pupils left during the year, and of these, 15 are in employment, 4 are attending other schools, 1 pupil is to return when her health improves, 4 children proved unsuitable for tuition, and the remaining 3 are residing at home. During the year three selected student teachers completed a third-year training-college course in the education of deaf children in the North Island school'under the direction of the Principal, who reports that the Department's policy in providing adequate training for teachers of the deaf is being well rewarded, there being evidence already of improvement in the standard of work at the school to which the students were attached. Six students are taking the course in the coming year. Considerable improvements were effected at the school at Sumner to make better provision for the staff and the pupils. Special Schools for Backward Children: At the Special School for boys at Otekaike, near Oamaru, there were 115 inmates in residence at the 31st March, 1944, 92 of whom were in the day-school section and 23 in the industrial department. Thirty-five new pupils were admitted during the year, and 45 children left and returned to ordinary life in the community. The Manager reports that, despite staff shortages, the training and recreational activities proceeded much as usual and that the health of the inmates during the year was good. At the Special School for girls at Richmond, near Nelson, there were 65 girls in residence at the 31st March. The Principal reports that the health of the inmates was good and the usual programme of recreational activities was carried out. Both these schools provide for those children who for various reasons cannot be catered for at special classes attached to public schools. At each school provision is made for continued occupational training for those who are retained beyond the ordinary school period. New Zealand Institute for the Blind: This institute, situated at Auckland, is administered by a board of trustees, on which the Government is represented. Certain children not admitted by private arrangement are admitted as Government pupils. At the 31st March there were 24 such pupils in residence. This institute, besides providing a home and instruction for younger children, also provides a training programme for adults. Children's Courts and Delinquency.—Reference to the attached Table 2 will show that during the year ended 31st March there was an increase of 5 only in the total number of children appearing before the Courts —3,076, as against 3,071 last year. This total includes children brought up on all counts, including indigency, neglect, living in detrimental environment, or not under proper control, as well as for offences. All those who appear on account of specific charges for offences are grouped together, and it will be noted that there was an increase of 47 in this group — 2,493, as against 2,446 last year. The principal offence still continues to be theft. Of the total number of children appearing for offences 368 had appeared at some time previously for offences. The total for last year was 364. As stated in a previous report, however, we set no time-limit on the intervening period since the commission of the first offence, so that the figures should be read in the light of this stringent condition. The increase of 47 in the numbers appearing for offences (which is about 2 per cent, on last year's figures) does not indicate an upward trend in delinquency generally, but accords fairly closely with the increased population in the age-groups concerned. A reference to Table 2 will show that this increase is largely accounted for by one class of offence —viz., breaking of telegraph insulators — which shows a rise from 86 to 122. On the year's figures, taking the total child population, inclusive of Maoris, in the ten to seventeen year age-group, the percentage of those who committed more serious offences is approximately 0-9. An analysis of the figures for theft and wilful damage discloses that these offences are more prevalent among boys than among girls and among Maoris than among whites. The trend in all groups with theft offences indicates that the important years are fourteen to sixteen, with the peak at fifteen. The rates for wilful damage and

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mischief show a tendency to increase in the twelve to fourteen age-group. As between last year and this, there is no significant rise in the frequency of these offences per hundred of the child population in the different age-groups. In comparison with most other countries New Zealand has been fortunate in having such a small increase in juvenile delinquency during the war period. As this report shows, the activities of the Branch are wide and are concerned with much more than dealing with delinquents. Occasional newspaper reports that certain juvenile delinquents are State wards should not lead the public to assume that all State wards as such are given to delinquency. There is a tendency to associate the two ideas without real warrant, for the majority of. State wards are committed to the care of the State through no fault of their own, and are not, and probably never will be, delinquent. During the year the Courts continued to utilize that section of the Act under which children may be placed under the legal supervision of Child Welfare Officers for a period—generally of one to two years, or more in special cases. There were 1,043 children so dealt with during the year. The Child Welfare Officers either supervise these children in_ their own homes or arrange, with the concurrence of the parents, to place them in suitable employment, with safeguards regarding their wages and living-conditions. This section of the Act continues to provide a very satisfactory method of dealing with considerable numbers of. children brought before the Courts. The war has certainly brought us additional problems with young people, but the fact that these are largely due to war conditions must not be overlooked. The Child Welfare Officers work in close co-operation with officers of the Police Department in dealing with all offences committed by juveniles. Preventive Work.—ln addition to the children dealt with under other categories mentioned in this report, there were at the end of the year a total of 1,954 children who were dealt with under our policy of " preventive " supervision. As soon as cases are reported of children misbehaving or for any other reason needing care, the Child Welfare Officers visit the homes. Frequently the case can be dealt with at the one visit by means of advice to the parents and the children, and no further action is necessary. In other cases contact by the Child Welfare Officers is continued for a period of one or two years, or even more in certain cases. The Welfare Officers, including honorary officers, carry out this preventive work in close contact with teachers, the churches, and private organizations. In cases presenting unusual behaviour problems, the assistance of the clinics attached to the University colleges and the services of psychiatrists of the Mental Hospitals Department are freely availed of. It has been our experience that the majority of parents, when properly approached, welcome and adopt sympathetic suggestions and advice regarding the training of their children. With those who will not co-operate the only course left as a rule is for the children to be committed. An increasing number of parents apply to our Welfare Officers for assistance and advice. They are, where necessary, referred to the nearest clinic or to a medical practitioner or to some other authority who might assist. I am still of the opinion that our best work in the future must be preventive. Much of the work performed by this Branch after children appear before Courts can be regarded as of a palliative type. To build for the future a commencement should be made from the cradle with competent advice to parents during the child's early habit-forming years. This should be done by the co-operation of parents, the nursing and medical professions, the churches, teachers, and welfare workers, to ensure that the life of the child be directed in accordance with accepted standards of good conduct and morality. The importance of a thorough training in self-discipline cannot be overstressed. I am pleased to record that, in furtherance of our policy of co-operation with other welfare services, further progress was made during the year' in linking up more closely with other State services and witli private organizations; in the latter case liaison officers are being arranged for in certain cases. In addition to the above-mentioned children, the Branch, in a special section of its preventive work, made inquiries into the living-conditions of some three hundred families, representing approximately 1,500 children, and was able in a number of cases to arrange for assistance to be given to preserve the family unit. Temporary Care of Children,—During the year increased facilities were provided byprivate organizations for the temporary care of children during the day, arising mainly out of war conditions where the mother was in employment. In Auckland a scheme was inaugurated for the temporary placement in private homes of children whose mothers were absent from their homes through sickness necessitating their admission to hospital for a period. The organizations concerned have performed a very useful service to the community. Regulations.—The general regulations covering institutions and the placement of children have been overhauled to bring them more into line with present practice, and it is hoped they will be reissued shortly. Draft regulations to cover street trading, employment of children, and attendance at places of entertainment are under consideration There are many difficulties in the way, however, not the least of which is the lack of staff British Children.—At the 31st March the British children in New Zealand had been here for about three years and a half, long enough for them to adapt themselves completely to our conditions. They continue to be very happy, and there are indications that, a number of them would like to stay here if their parents could join them. They are making good piogress at their work and at school, and, generally speaking, have presented very few problems. This has been mainly due to the excellent homes they have had and

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to the unselfish care given them by their foster-parents; in addition, their own response has been splendid. As one boy has left New Zealand, our total for this year stands at 20$. At the 31st March, 71 of these children had left school, 53 were attending primary schools, and 79 attending secondary schools. Of those attending secondary schools 8 were in Form VI; 16 in upper Form Y; 17 in lower Form V; 18 in Form IV; 20 in Form 111. Of this number (79), 56 are taking a professional or general course; 7 commercial; 9 engineering or trades; 3 agricultural; 3 home science; and 1 an art course. Of those attending primary schools, 14 are in Standard VI; 14 in Standard V; 8 in Standard IV; 11 in Standard 111, and 6in Standards I and 11. Of the 71 who have left school, 7 attend University full time, 6 are at Teachers' Training Colleges; 1 is nursing; 2 are working as nursing aides; 1 boy is studying accountancy; 1 is learning draughting; 4 are working in insurance offices; 9 are doing general office work; 5 are in the Public Service; 4 care in banks; 10 are farming; 5 are in engineering; 4 are working as shop assistants; 2 aire learning dressmaking; 1 is an assistant in a children's home; 1 is mining; 1 is working on munitions; 6 are doing various types of domestic work; and 1 boy is in the Air Force training to become a bomber pilot. Where possible those young people who are working are encouraged to continue their education by taking evening classes or University lectures. The reports from their employers show that they perform their work in a conscientious manner and give satisfaction generally. Last year 8 passed the University Entrance Examination, bringing the total to date to 25. Many others have passed the Public Service Entrance Examination and some the School Certificate Examination. On the whole, their educational attainment is very satisfactory, and there are a few who show exceptional ability. Among the older boys are some who, realizing that they would have been called up for military duties had they still been in the United Kingdom, felt it their duty to give their services in the same way as their contemporaries in Britain and expressed a desire to join one or other of the services. Already one boy has won his wings in the Air Force, one has left New Zealand to join the Merchant Service as an apprentice, and three are waiting to be called up for the Navy. Others have expressed a desire to join the Navy or the Air Force. The health of these young people has been very good on the whole during the, year. There have been the usual number of minor complaints, and, I am sorry to say, two cases of serious illness. In general, however, they have shown remarkable physical development. It was found necessary during the year to arrange the transfer to other homes of 16 children, 6 of whom were " nominated " cases. The reasons for transfer included the ill-health of the foster-parent, home conditions becoming such that the child could no longer be provided for, or other arrangements becoming necessary to provide for extended education or employment. During the year Miss K. Page, the local representative of the Children's Overseas Reception Board, paid a visit to several centres to see both foster-parents and the children in their homes. She expressed herself as well satisfied with conditions. The contact of the children with their parents in Great Britain, which is fostered in every way, is maintained by means of correspondence and the free monthly cable service kindly provided by Cable and Wireless, Ltd., Auckland. J. R. McClune, Superintendent. The Director of Education, Wellington, New Zealand.

Table 1. —Number of Children under Control and Supervision The total number of children under the supervision of the Child Welfare Branch as at the 31st March, 1944, was 8,724, classified under the following headings, the corresponding number for the previous year (ended 31st March, 1943) being also given

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1942-43,| 1943-44. j 1942-43. 1943-44. State Wards — Other than State Wards— In foster-homes and with friends .. 2,041 2,477 Young persons supervised by Child Wei- 1,301 1,375 In situations (includes 21 absent without 1,105 1,048 fare Officers in thoir own homes, with leave at the 31st March, 1943, and 9 at relatives or friends, pursuant to orders the 31st March, 1944) of Courts In Government institutions, receiving- 223 261 Infants supervised in foster-homes regis- 065 098 homes, &c. tered under the Infants Act In private institutions .. .. 98 121 Pupils at Schools for Doaf, Sumner and 126 175 In Roman Catholic institutions recognized 95 98 Titirangi under the Child Welfare Act Pupils at schools for mentally backward 45 38 In special schools for mentally backward 138 142 (Otekaike and Richmond) see also under children (see also pupils under " Other " State Wards " than State Wards ") Children supervised as preventive cases 1,978 I. ,954 In refuges or cognate institutions .. 59 63 Children in New Zealand Institute for 18 24 In hospitals, convalescent homes, &c. .. 30 47 Blind for whom the Department makes In residential colleges, &e. . . . . 15 10 payment 4,410 4,207 4,133 4,264 8,543 8,531 British children in New Zealand .. 204 203

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Table 2.—Number of Children appearing before Children's Courts

Table 3.—Comparative Statement showing the Action taken in respect of Children who appeared before Children's Courts.

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(Classified according to complaints or charges laid) 1941-42. 1942-43. 1943-44. Complaints under Child Welfare Act— Indigent . . .. .. .. .. .. .. 141 159 145 Not under proper control .. .. .. .. .. 212 314 280 Living in a detrimental environment .. .. . . 811 106 106 Negleoted .. .. .. ... .. • . . 79 46 52 515 625 583 Offences— Offences against morality . . .. .. .. .. 25 11 10 Offences against the person .. .. .. .. 30 63 61 Other offences—■ (a) Theft .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,037 1,127 1,132 (ft) Conversion of motor-vehicles .. .. .... 87 61 65 (c) Other conversions .. .. .. .. .. 83 85 79 (d) Miscellaneous (chiefly mischief) .. .. . . 474 396 449 Delinquent .. . . .. .. .. . . 207 246 267 Breaches of Court supervision orders.. .. .... 19 20 24 Breaches of special Acts or RegulationsRailways .. .. .. . . .. .. 33 10 6 Fire brigades .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 12 4 Acclimatization .•. . . .. .. .. 5 4 4 Licensing .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 39 29 Arms .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 34 34 50 Post and Telegraph .. .. .. .. .. 81 86 122 Shipping .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 11 1 Trafficfa) Regulations .. .. .. .. \ no / 70 52 (b) Cycles .. .. .. .. .. / ■ , \ 89 47 Motor-vehicles .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 ,. 1 ; City or borough by-laws— (a) Other than cycling .. .. .. .. \ „ ]r / 10 10 (b) Cycle . . .. / zl ° \ 62 69 Emergency War Regulations .. .. .. .. . . .. 10 4 Man-power Regulations .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 V.D. Regulations .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 2,421 2,446 2,493 Total .. ... .. ... .. .. 2,936 3,071 3,076 " | i

Table 2.—Number of Children appearing before Children's Courts (Classified according to complaints or charges laid) 1941-42. 1942-43. 1943-44. Complaints under Child Welfare Act— Indigent . . .. .. .. .. . . .. 141 159 145 Not under proper control .. .. .. .. . . 212 314 280 Living in a detrimental environment .. . . . . 83 100 106 Negleoted .. .. .. .. .. . . 79 40 52 515 625 583 Offences— Offences against morality . . .. .. .. .. 25 11 10 Offences against the person .. .. .. .. 30 63 61 Other offences—(a) Theft .. .. .. .. .. .. 1,037 1,127 1,132 (fi) Conversion of motor-vehicles .. .. .. .. 87 61 65 (c) Other conversions .. .. .. .. .. 83 85 79 (d) Miscellaneous (chiefly mischief) .. .. . . 474 390 449 Delinquent .. .. .. .. .. .. 207 240 267 Breaches of Court supervision orders.. .. .. .. 19 20 24 Breaches of special Acts or Regulations— Railways .. .. . . . . .. .. 33 10 0 Fire brigades .. .. .. . . .. .. 12 12 4 Acclimatization ;. .. .. .. .. 5 4 4 Licensing . . .. .. . . .. .. 2 39 29 Arms .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 34 34 50 Post and Telegraph .. .. .. .. .. 81 80 122 Shipping .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 11 1 Traffic— (а) Regulations .. .. .. . . \ „„ / 70 52 (б) Cycles .. .. .. . . .. / \ 89 47 Motor-vehicles .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 .. 1 City or borough by-laws— (a) Other than cycling .. .. .. .. \ oir / 10 10 (b) Cycle / \ 02 09 Emergency War Regulations .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 4 Man-power Regulations .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 V.D. Regulations .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 2,421 2,440 2,493 Total .. .. .. .. .. .. 2,936 3,071 3,076 ; i Table 3.—Comparative Statement showing the Action taken in respect of Children who APPEARED BEFORE CHILDREN'S COURTS 1941-42. 1942-43. 1943-44. Committed to the care of the Superintendent .. . . .. .. . . 504 590 580 Placed under supervision .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 807 991 993 Supervision extended .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 32 20 34 Supervision with residence .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 14 29 10 Admonished and discharged .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 582 665 677 Admonished, discharged, and ordered to make restitution .. .. .. 242 264 242 Admonished and ordered to pay costs .. .. .. .. .. 20 17 13 Admonished and fined .. .. . . .. .. .. .. 36 45 20 Adjourned .. . r . . .. .. .. .. .. 91 90 86 Adjourned sine die .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 18 33 Dismissed . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 47 59 71 Committed to Borstal .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 30 42 42 Convicted and fined .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 7 5 Convicted and discharged .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 1 I 4 Convicted and ordered to como up for sentence ., .. .. .. .. .. I Returned to the care of the Superintendent .. .. .. .. .. 68 42 83 Withdrawn .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 23 15 12 Ordered to come up for sentence .. .. .. .. ,. 6 5 3 Probation .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10 21 21 Referred to the Magistrates' Court .. .. .. .. .. .. 4 1 2 Fined .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 65 06 58 Ordered to pay costs Licenses cancelled .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 2 1 Remanded Restitution order cancelled .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 2 Committed to the Supreme Court for sentence .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 1 By-law cases— Admonished and discharged .. .. .. .. . . . . 105 20 34 Admonished and ordered to pay costs .. .. .. . . . . .. 4 Convicted and fined and ordered to pay costs or convicted and ordered to pay costs 2 Fined and ordered to pay costs or ordered to pay costs .. .. . . 77 39 38 Dismissed .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 6 Adjourned .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3 Convicted and discharged .. .. ., .. .. .. . . 1 2,936 3,071 3,070

E.—4

Table 4. —Children placed under Supervision of Child Welfare Officers by Courts during Years ended 31st March, 1943 and 1944

Table 5.—Causes of Committal and Admission, 1943-44

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (887 copies), £17 10s.

By Authority: E. V, Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1944.

Price 6d.]

8

(Classified according to reasons for appearance) Boys. Girls. Totals. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1942-43. 1943-44. Charged with an offence .. .. .. 616 653 80 56 696 709 Delinquent .. .. .. .. 132 162 32 27 164 189 Not under proper control . . .. .. 96 55 47 33 143 88 In detrimental environment .... 8 15 11 22 19 37 Indigent .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 2 1 2 Neglected ........ 3 5 6 0 9 11 855 890 177 146 1,032 1,030 Note. —Table regarding Court records shows 993 placed under supervision. The difference is accounted for by tho number of adjourned cases from the previous year boing dealt with during 1943-44.

Boys. Girls. Totals. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1942-43. 1943-44. 1942-43. 1943-44. Indigent .. .. .. .. 92 72 67 67 159 139 Not under proper control .. .. .. 78 83 77 85 155 168 Delinquent .. .. .. .. 31 36 10 15 47 51 Charged with an offence .. .. .. 109 102 19 17 128 119 Living in a detrimental environment .. 24 30 37 43 61 73 Neglected .. .. .. .. 17 19 17 18 34 37 Breach of supervision order .... 5 2 5 8 10 10 Supervision with residence .... 14 12 15 7 29 19 370 356 253 260 623 616 Admitted under section.12, Child Welfare Act, 6 9 7 4 13 13 1925 Admitted on warrant .. .. .. 30 27 39 27 69 54 Admitted under section 127 of the Education 8 53 2 40 10 93 Act 44 89 48 71 92 160 414 445 301 331 715 776 Note.—Of the above, 167, or 21-52 per cent., were illegitimate. In addition there were 28 (15 boys and 13 girls) temporarily admitted to child-welfare institutions, as against 30 (14 boys and 16 girls) for the preceding year.