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34
CHILD LIFE PROTECTION.
The welfare of these children has been much to the fore in
recent times owing to a number of instances of gross negligence
in the care and treatment of these children coming to light.
Much can be done to help the mother and safeguard the child,
but since all children need parental affection, security and
shelter of a normal home, it is clear that a complete solution of
the problem is difficult to find, but much successful work by
voluntary agencies and welfare workers associated with
diocesan and religious bodies, has been achieved.
During 1946 the Curtis Report was issued as a result of the
investigations of the Care of Children Committee set up by the
Government to "inquire into existing methods of providing for
children who from loss of parents or from any cause whatever
are deprived of a normal home life with their own parents or
relatives."
I submitted a report to the Welfare Authority in December,
1946, and a very brief recapitulation of the main recommendations
will serve to indicate the line of care and supervision
envisaged to safeguard the future welfare of these children.
1. Public care and supervision should be extended from 9
years to 16 years of age.
2. Inclusion of those children who are in the care of fosterparents
without reward.
3. Registration of all voluntary homes accepting children.
4. Centralisation of supervision under one department.
5. Responsible local authority to be the County or County
Borough.
6. Appointment of an ad hoc committee of the local authority
to deal with all such children.
7. Appointment of an ad hoc visitor with academical qualifications.
8. To provide the child with a home in order of preference
(a) by adoption,
(b) boarding-out,
(c) residence in communities.