foster homes and child welfare

Te Ao Hou, Winter 1952, Page 56

foster homes and child welfare Keen interest was shown in Mr G. S. Smith, District Child Welfare Officer, Auckland, who addressed the Conference on child welfare problems. He stressed that children became state wards more often through the misdemeanours of the unsuitability of the parents than through their own wickedness. Whenever anything unfavourable was known about the children, the foster-parents were given the story, but a large percentage of the State wards have never been convicted of offences. Mrs P. P. Tahiwi chaired the committee. After discussion, conference decided to pass a remit urging league branches to make a survey for suitable foster homes for Maori and part-Maori children. A variety of other remits touching on the welfare of children were passed, such as: Support to the National Council of Women in its recommendation for stricter censorship of radio serials, films, comics and magazines. Resolution to stimulate teaching of Christianity to children at home, in Sunday schools, bible classes and churches. Recommendation for more severe punishment of those guilty of assault on children.