New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-23
CHILD SAVING WORK.
What Physical Qualities Foster Parents De-
sire in Adopted Children.

The women interested IN child saving work in
Baltimore. who attending the Summer School
Of Philanthropy, tell amusing stories Of the
demands for certain exterior charms in children
made 70 the placing out agency OF the Children's
Aid Society by would-he foster parents
The society sends children TO families all over the
State Of MARYLAND. so when a farmer in the op-
postte end of the State wants 70 take boy girl
he often contents himself with a letter to the
agency describing what manner Of child he pre-
ters. Some of the letters are long drawn out az
fairs. going into the uiuu1est desired details Of
appearance. Golden. curly hair and blue eyes are
most frequently called for. Again brown eyes are
favored and one woman wrote that she would Ike
70 have boy with green eyes cause my boy that
died had EN- Some persons ask that the child
sent them shall have dinples, in cheek chin,
while others especially disapprove Of them holding
10 the old belief that Dple in chin, devil within.
Then there are those not particular as 10 looks.
One farmer from Western Maryland snatched time
from his pIoughirs 10 write 10 the placing out
agency that he would take one OF their boys-aboUr
nine years Old Jest as he didn have red hair
"OS course, when We receive letters saying that
certain family viii receive one Of our charges into
its midst We look Up the references thoroughly
said a representative Of the Baltimore Children :
Aid Society yesterday, and unless We are satisfied
that everything is straight and that the child will
be surrounded by the best Influences we DO not let
him go.
Many people who wish 70 have a child placed
with them come directly TO the agency. That. OF
course. is the preferable way, as we have the
chance 20 judge u the personality Of the men and
women and the- have the chance 10 look over
the children and select the one that most appeals
TO them. - -,
Several wears ago we had a little crippled girl
AT the temporary home Tor our charges when a
man and ms VIE who lived on a farm not lar
from Baltimore came ID 70 see the children They
interested in all OF them, but when they came
the little cripple their hearts went straight OUT
10 her and when they left. she went with them
She mas lived with them eyer since, and Is very
happy. Few people are willing 70 take crippled
child IL naturally involves much care 50 those
that come TO US are usually put IN the CrlppIeS
Home
The children that are placed out are supposed
TO stav with the family until they are eighteen
wears old when charge by the Children's Aid so
clatv is given up and the boys and girls begin 70
sniff for themselves. Sometimes tots OF three OF
four are taken ry kind hearted families but most
people prefer child OF zen or twelve Or course;
trst don't need as much care the little ones ana
can be- more helpful 70 the family We prefer 20
have our charges enter families where there are
0ther children believe ii IS good Tor them 70
have the comp anonship OF healthy. normal y2uls
-.so~la However We are careful not 70 send them
where they viii have 20 play the part OF AtLes
mothers and he nu-sen1-cs ioT orOOo OF
younger children