Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1915-04-22
Favors Change in Mothers Pension.

The board Of control has sent to
the legislature its report based on
the survey and investigation in the
question of aid to mothers and de-
pendent children. The report is the
result Of one years field work by
trained social workers.
The report shows that IT counties
have adopted the state law and are
giving aid to dependent children. Mil
waukee county is the leader in the
matter of dependent families and in
giving aid. In December, 1914, 256
families with $50 children, or 27 per
cent Of the total family population,
were receiving allowances from the
juvenile court. This number remains
practically stationary throughout the
year.
These families received SO, 405.8
during the month Of December. of
which the state paid S1,70291. The
report says that the double system of
county and state investigation of every
case is a needless precaution and dou-
bles the expense. It also doubts the
advisability of giving cash aid to
needy mothers unless they are capable
of handling cash and are likely to be
dependent for a period of time exceed
ing year. 1t also shows that in Mil
waukee county there were 100 normal
dependent children who might have
remained with their mother, but who
were in county institutions, if assist
ance had been extended to the fam
lilies before the pressure of poverty
forced their separation and removal.
In regard to private charity, the re-
port points out that with few excep-
tons it is sporadic and uncertain and
that it is usually unwisely given. Care
of the needy can only be successfully
accomplished by the assumption of the
responsibility by the public and a
careful and trained administration, it
says. A uniform law covering the
administration of county funds for the
purpose of relief is also urged and
the accompaniment of education along
with the financial aid so that the chill
dency in their minds as a permanent
chance to gain living.
There are 1908 dependent children
in the state, according to the report.
An amendment in the present law so
that only children under fourteen
years may be benefited is suggested.
Also that the children live with their
own mothers.
An interesting fact brought out is
the minimum amount that a family
can live on and maintain physical
and moral health and vigor. A mother
and two minor children can live in
Milwaukee on from $32 to $40. In
the smaller cities, the requirement is
from $50 to $35 and in rural COM
munities the amount is placed at
from SIS to S22.
The report recommends that the
administration of the state aid law
remain with the judge of the juvenile
court where such courts exist and
in other counties with the judge of
the county or municipal court. A
thorough scheme of investigation is
worked out for the use of county
committees or boards on child well
fare. 1t includes a probe into the
history of the family, resources, phys
icaI condition, quality of home MAX
ing and character Of mother, and the
making of plan for the family.
The report, in summary, shows
that the mothers pension plan has
outgrown the experimental stage and
that the number of counties using it
ana the amounts subscribed for the
purpose of aiding dependent chill
dren is rapidly growing.