E.—4,

1936. NEW ZEALAND.

EDUCATION: CHILD WELFARE, STATE CARE OF CHILDREN, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, AND INFANT-LIFE PROTECTION. [In continuation of E.—4, 1935.]

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

No. I.—EXTRACT FROM THE FIFTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION. CHILD WELFARE. Number of Children under Supervision. The total number of children under the supervision of the Child W elf are Branch as at 31st March, 1936, was 7,272, classed under the following headings : — State wards — In foster-homes, hostels, and with friends . . .. .. .. 2,660 In situations (includes 14 absent without leave) .. .. .. 948 In Government institutions, receiving-homes, &c. .. .. .. 203 In private institutions . . . . . • • • • • • • 150 Inmates in special schools for backward children . . . . . . 240 In hospitals, convalescent homes, &c. .. . . . . . 61 At School for Deaf, Sumner .. .. .. .. .. 7 4,269 Young persons supervised in their own homes by Child Welfare Officers, by order of Court . . . . . • • ■ • • • • • • 892 Infants supervised in foster-homes registered under the Infants Act . . 836 Pupils at School for Deaf, Sumner (other than State wards (7) included in figures above) .. . . • • • • ■ • • • • • 109 Children dealt with as preventive cases .. . . .. . . 1, 143 Children at New Zealand Institute for Blind for whom the Department makes payment .. .. ■ ■ • • • • • ■ • • 23 Total 7,272 The number of children committed to the care of the Superintendent during the year ended 31st, March, 1936, v/as 440, classified according to reasons for committal, as follows: Indigent, 175 ; delinquent, 23 ; detrimental environments, 57 ; neglected, 14 ; not under proper control, 108 ; accused or guilty of punishable offence, 63 ; and, in addition, 6 were admitted by private arrangement (section 12, I—E. 4.