View report page

66
During the year, 2,331 children and young persons were admitted, of whom 1,872 were
boys, and 459 were girls. There was a decrease of 277 in the admission rate compared with 1936.
This fall is more than accounted for by the opening of remand homes in Essex and Middlesex.
The admission rate from the London area increased by 104 in 1937, compared with 1936.

In view of the increased attention focussed on problems of delinquency, the data provided
by the 2,331 admissions are presented in detail below. The aetiology of delinquency is very complex,
and caution is advised in interpreting the particulars submitted.
Below is shown in a condensed form, the distribution of cases admitted according to the
Courts from which they were received. The corresponding figures for the two preceding years,
and for 1930, are given for comparison. The decline of 381 in admission rate from out-county
areas has already been explained. The other minor variations are of little significance.
Name of Court Number dealt with
1930 1935 1936 1937
Caxton Hall 40 129 169 157
Toynbee Hall 154 303 334 307
Stamford House 94 248 308 303
Islington 118 141 341 342
Hampstead — 6 10 21
Springfield Hall 83 252 295 325
Southwark 102 214 255 325
Adult courts 55 80 117 132
City of London 9 39 21 32
Education Act cases 40 24 31 41
Out-county cases . 90 984 727 346
Total 785 2,420 2,608 2,331
The distribution of admissions month by month, together with the corresponding monthly
totals for 1936, are given below. There is but little correlation in the seasonal fluctuations. As
an index of the incidence of delinquency, these figures are of no significance unless they are a
true index of all cases dealt with by the Juvenile Courts. A temporary change in the personnel of
the Bench, as in holiday time, may modify the extent to which use is made of a remand home.
1937 1936 1937 1936
January 180 266 August 173 191
February 194 234 September 165 221
March 231 248 October 194 235
April 247 177 November 171 166
May 194 240 December 168 163
June 229 236
July 185 231 Total2331 2608
The incidence of various charges is shown in the subjoined statement. As in previous
years, the great majority consist of offences against property. It will be seen that 26 sexual
offences are recorded, but actually many more such cases have occurred, and appear as cases
requiring care or protection. Sexual delinquency in remand home cases is much more common
among girls than boys.
Offences 1937
Breaking, entering and stealing 116
Breaking and entering 117
Larceny 1,106
Burglary 2
Carrying firearms 4
Sacrilege 1
Embezzlement 23
Forgery 6
Demanding money by menaces 2
False pretences 7
Travelling without ticket 9
Suspected person 54
Desertion from army 1
Begging 2
Insulting conduct 9
Wilful damage 7
Assault 6
Malicious wounding 6
Murder 1
Offences 1937
Attempted suicide 1
Sex offences 26
Arson 2
Absconding from approved
school 7
Robbery with violence 1
Breach of recognisances 119
Beyond control 212
"Care or protection" cases 311
Education Act cases 44
" Place of safety " and " lodgers
" 52
Motor offences 68
Gambling 1
Drunk and incapable 4
Stowaway 3
Coining 1
Total 2,331