Gilpin observer., 1909-05-06
GOVERNOR SHAFRoTH SIGNS
BILLS FOR CARE OF DELIN-
QUENT CHILDREN.
DISCIPLINE OFFICERS
CAN ARREST AND PLACE ON PRO.
BATON CONTRIBUTORS
TO DELINQUENCY.

Denver.-Governor John F. Shafroth
signed two Of the most important ju-
venile laws placed upon the statute
books at the last session of the Legis-
lature when he affixed his signature
to House bills 54 and 95, introduced
by Mrs. Lafferty and drawn by Judge
Lindsey. House bill 81 provides for
masters of discipline, an innovation in
juvenile work in Colorado, while 95
places parents or guardians found
guilty of contributing to the neglect,
delinquency or dependency of children
on probation for terms of not exceed
ing two years under bond.
H. B. 54 is one which Judge Lindsey
expects to work great advance in
Juvenile work. 1t allows juvenile or
county courts to appoint discreet per-
sons in each city, town or precinct if
it SO desires, within it's jurisdiction,
who shall hear juvenile cases and
make findings of fact in, as far as
practicable, the same manner as
master or referee in chancery pro-
ceedings.
The master of discipline shall also
make recommendations as to what
judgmant should be entered against
the child of the adult charged with
contributing to juvenile delinquency,
and these recommendations shall have
all the force and effect of a court or
der, unless reversed by the court. Ap>
peal may be had by application within
ten days for a court trial.
The masters of discipline shall re-
ceive no compensation in counties over
over 100000 inhabitants or from any
other country, except in such other
counties in cases arising outside of
and so removed from the county seat
where court is held as to make it ex-
pensive and inconvenient for the per-
sons involved to attend a court trial.
In such cases the court may allow a
sum not to exceed SO in any one case
and not exceeding 5000 for any calen-
dar year. The money will be paid by
the county commissioners.
H. B. 95 provides that any reputable
person being a resident of the county,
may file a petition in writing setting
forth complaints against any person
who shall cause or contribute to the
dependency, neglect or delinquency OF
any child. II the court is convinced of
the truth of the charges after having
summoned the defendant to appear be-
fore it, that person or persons may be
placed upon probation for term not
exceeding two years. The court may
also fix bond and send the person to
Jail If he fails to give it. If, during the
period Of probation. the person on pro-
baton shall violate the order of the
court in regard to his case, the court
may direct the county attorney to pro-
coed against the bond, the recovery to
be used in support of the child in the
case. If it shall appear during the
trial that the child did not receive such
training, instruction and discipline as
a child should reasonably receive, then
the law provides that the presumption
of guilt shall be against the defendant
and the burden and proof upon him
and not the state. The court may also
change the proceeding to a criminal
prosecution at any time If the facts
brought out during the trial Shall JUS
tify it in his opinion.
The object of this is to allow mas
ters of chancery to go from town to
town in country districts and hear
cases at various points, thus saving the
persons involved the expense of com
ing to the county seat and waiting per
haps for several days at their own ex-
pense for trial. The masters of dis
cipline are invested with the power to
issue notices, summons, capias or
process to have the same effect no.
tice issued by clerk of the court.
The master may superintend the pro-
baton of children or adults. In cities
having juvenile courts the probation
offictrs will serve as masters, while in
outside districts persons who have
special interest in the work will be SC.
lected.