Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-11-29

although many causes have operated to
prevent the carrying cut of the objects
of the body. The first and foremost OF
these objects is the care for children
who, by reason of parental neglect or
misfortune, are placed in a position
where they must be protected from evil
influences and unjust treatment.
The Juvenile Improvement associa-
ton was formed more than a year ago,
and is a development of the Juvenile
Court association. 1t acts as a clear
ing house for every charitable organiza-
ton in the city and county, while at
the same time carrying on a work of It's
own, sometimes supervisorial in its
character, but at all times benefiting
hundreds Of persons of tender years.
During the existence of the associa-
ton a large number Of scholarships
have been furnished to children who
have been prevented, for sundry rea-
sons, from attending the public schools.
Chief among these reasons is the need
of poor families who depend upon the
labor of their children for a living.
When the association discovers cases of
this kind an amount equal to the money
that would have been earned by the
children had they remained at work is
furnished from the treasury of the as
ISOLATION to those depending on their
offspring for a livelihood.
So thorough and successful has been
this work that few applications for
scholarships are now being made. The
work in this connection, however, has
been hampered by a lack of labor in
spectors. There are three inspectors in
the state, but their work is almost
wholly confined to San Francisco. The
necessity for resident inspector is OBJ
Vlous, and strenuous efforts to obtain
one will be made by the association at
the next meeting of the legislature.
Quarters Most Unsuitable
The inadequate quarters provided for
the detention home in the building
south Of the court house were also the
occasion for great deal of discussion.
The home is situated in a building in
which there are located a justice court,
an engine room and large office where
overflow work from the county building
is done. 1t is part of the old Jail build
ing, and its appearance, with iron
barred windows and scant lawns is
most depressing and Objectionable The
detention home committee was in
structed to seek better quarters.
A fine showing was made by this COM
mittee in regard to the number of in
mates of the home. The average of in
mates is now fifteen, as compared with
twenty-five a year ago, which speaks
volumes for the probationary system.
The work in this home is thrown on
the shoulders of Mrs. Fannie Byram and
two assistants, Captain A. c. Dodds
giving his entire attention to adult
cases. The large amount of work done
by Mrs. Byram and her assistants may
be appreciated when it is remembered
that there are twice as many children
on probation in Los Angeles as there
are IN Whittier, and the necessity for
an increased force is clearly apparent.
Captain Dodds' time is taken up with
looking after adults, and with the large
number of cases on his hands his GvorIx
must be in measure superficial. Aid
in this direction will be sought from
the coming legislature, and in this ef-
fort the legislative committee. headed
by Mrs. Parnum, win be assisted hv
Judge Curtis d. Wilbur Of the Juvenile
court.
Legal Amendments Needed
Judge Wilbur has also begun an in
vestigation of other conditions In the
county, and the results Of this yyo,ls
will be submitted to the legislature
with the hope that remedial legislation
may be secured. Among other things
an amendment to the child labor law