E.—4

1928. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: CHILD WELFARE, STATE CARE OF CHILDREN, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, AND INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION. [In continuation of E.-4, 1927.]

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

No. I.—EXTRACT FROM THE FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION. CHILD WELFARE. The Child Welfare Branch provides generally for the maintenance of destitute, neglected, and delinquent children and young offenders committed to its care under the provisions of the Child Welfare Act, 1925. In addition the Branch provides for the following social services : — (1) Preventive work in the community — that is, the investigation, occasional social readjustment, and necessary supervision by Child Welfare Officers in the early stages of any cases brought under notice. (2) Investigation regarding the conduct, family history, and home conditions of all children brought under the notice of Children's Courts, or young persons charged with offences. (3) The oversight of all young offenders who are placed under supervision by the Children's Courts. (4) Supervision of all infants and young children who are maintained apart from their parents or guardians. (5) The investigation and supervision where necessary of all illegitimate births to ensure that these infants are properly placed and cared for. At the same time the Welfare Officer assists the unmarried mother, where possible to re-establish herself in the community, and to fix paternity so that the man concerned may be made to recognize his responsibilities. ((>) Inquiry regarding all applications for the adoption of children under fifteen years of age. In every such case a report is furnished by the Welfare Officer to the Magistrate prior to the hearing of the application for adoption. (7) Preliminary investigation regarding applications for widows' pensions. and supervision and disbursement of pension-money in doubtful cases. (8) Assistance in supervising young Natives of the Pacific islands domiciled in the Dominion.

I—E. 4.