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24
Aldersbrook Homes and Scattered Homes.
I am indebted to Mr. W. Pitt Steele, the Superintendent of
these Homes, for the report and statistics appended below:—
Children.
"The tendency during the past 18 months for children
to be admitted at a much younger age than hitherto had become
accentuated during the past half-year of 1930. There were 43
more children between the ages of 5 and 8 in the last six
months of the year as compared with the first six months. These
were mostly boys of 6 or 7 years. The general transition
which has been taking place has converted the Torn Hood Lodge
from a lodge housing 50 boys between the ages of 12-16 to a
lodge almost entirely composed of children of half that age-group.
Of the total number of our children 228 are under 8 years, and
of that number about 140 are under 6 years. This change brings
with it much increased work and responsibility, there being a
greater need for supervision and individual attention than is
necessary with older children."
"The conduct of the children has generally been very satisfactory.
The newly-admitted children continue to settle down
in their new surroundings very quickly. Generally speaking,
there is no improvement in the standard of the mental and
physical condition of the children sent to us—usually backward
at school and suffering from neglect."
Food and Clothing.
"The food supplied to the children continues to be of the
best possible quality. The meals are constantly varied, and
backward children are given special or extra foods under the
direction of the Medical Officer."
"They are supplied with warm and suitable clothing, and
care continues to be exercised in the provision and fitting of
suitable boots and shoes."
Bedding.
"The bedding is adequate and kept in clean and good order.
Extra blankets are issued during cold spells, and the process of
changing the mattresses in the various lodges was completed."