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25.
human beings. At a saving of how little?
This could, of course, be construed as a case for better
training of Youth Employment staff. I would not quarrel with
this, but it is also a case for more staff to carry out the
job more comprehensively, or alternatively for someone else
to do so
No case histories have been given here. The School
Medical Officer has referred to one case which no one would
have blamed the Youth Employment Service for writing off as
impossible. It was solved by the Service, only by more
exhaustive efforts and invaluable time, but most important of
all, by caring. Time, however, is dearly bought at the expense
of others needing guidance.
The Youth Employment Service receives these handicapped
school leavers when they are sixteen. The special school,
having carried a heavy burden, could not be blamed if it took
no further action, but in fact the staff continue to take a
great personal interest. Likewise, the Youth Employment
Service must pass them on at 18 years of age. They too would
be no less than human if occasionally they didn* t breath a
sigh of relief that the responsibility was now with someone
else, but in fact they, like the school, are concerned.
Education and welfare must be continuous in these cases. One
cannot put time limits on caring for human need. What moral
right have we to deny the dignity of labour and acceptance
into normal society of those on the fringes? How dare we
presume to say we have done all we can? Who knows the solut
ions which lie just around the corner? A final word there
are some who receive considerable public acclamation of their
goodwill and work for a few handicapped youngsters. While not
underestimating the value of such work, let us also recognise
that it is too easy to rest ones conscience, that because of
it all is well. Let us examine, more closely what is not done,
and put it right, what is done wrongly, and put that right too.