Evening journal., 1916-04-19
PROBATION OFFICER
FAVORS CURFEW Law
Detention Home ior lncOr-
rigible Colored Girls
Also Recommended
8I2 JUVENILE
CASES BEFORE COURT

Members of the Wilmington Ju-
yenile Court and Probation Associa-
non al their ffth annual meeting in
the rooms OF the New Century Club
last night pictured vividly the handi-
cap under which they are working
with insufficient men TO carry on the
work of the court and insufficient
space. The address OF the evening
was delivered by Thomas G. Paris,
chief probation OfiiceEof the Phila-
ielpaia Juvenile Court. That the
few persons who are carrying on
the work OF the local association are
working against great odds because
OF their limited facilities was eifec-
lively pointed out 20 the members OF
the association by Mr.. Paris, VIII
liam r. Kurtz and Judge William s..
prickett.
"Who are members OF the associa-
ton and how could one become a
MEMBER was one OF the questions
considered. William +. Kurtz, who
presided, explained that all who pay
dues 10 the association are members
and TO become a member, one had to
day dues OF at least one dollar "a
year.
Mr. Kurtz said the purpose OF the as
sociation was TO foster an interest ia
the delinquent children placed under the
Juvenile Court aud TO help them become
useful citizens. lie said that it is the
most interesting work being done IN the
community I'm closing his remarks he
said the members had gathered partcu-
larly TO hear Mr. Paris. and he then
introduced the Philadelphia officer
Mr.. Paris said ne was acquainted
with Wilmington. as he had lived ON a
farm in Kent county for many years.
lie said that children are made mp of
instincts and that they 90 wrong when
their instincts given by God Himself,
express themselves in the wrong man
ner lie urged that citizens study the
school system and see that their chill
dren are getting the best of instruction
from teachers of good character
he explained the manner I'm which
me Juvenile Court work is carried on
IN Philadelphia The court has one
Judge he said. and although hearings
are restricted the cases are not neces-
iarily private. For girls the court has
two referees. who investigate the
cases and hand over their findings to
the judge. He stated that the chief
probation officer hears all cases before
they are transferred to the Judge, and
that II the officer feels that court
hearing is unnecessary, the child IL
aot brought up before the judge.
Mr. Paris urged that the cour
work with the ministers and the sup
srlntendents of public schools. for will
heir cooperation better things vii
come OF the court work
IN Philadelphia. he said, the Cour
has ninety employees and that the mum
Der Of men needed is liritless. (Chie
Probation Ohicer Farra is the onl.
officer herel. He stated that this cit!
should have at least twenty-five men
lie explained that the detention hous
in Philadelphia is n rather large build
ing. aud though IL WAS built in 1905 i
has outgrown itself The juvenile
Judges chambers are housed in On
building. and most of the Office work IL
done there. lie explained the process O
caring for the children when they ar
admitted into the home. In the frs
place they are taken into the basemen
and given an antiseptic bath They ar,
then examined by a physician for hear
trouble adenoids, nalnutrition. etc
They are then placed in classes undo
the care Of efficient teachers. Tho sub
normal children are sieved from th
normal class by a physchologist.
In speaking Of local conditions. Mn
Paris said he knew the Judge Of Tn
Juvenile Court here is doing his worl
well. and that he seems to have th
qualities of sympathy and love for chill
iren which make him successful in hi
work. The lirst thing that Wilmingto
needs he explained. is probation officer.
Mr.. Paris stated that he found ,Iudp
Prickett 10 be a ''real big boy. and tina
he knows that the boys are well care
for by him" He commended Office
Fara's work.
Following his address. Mr.. Parri
opened the meeting for questions
Judge Prickett asked him IL the Phil
adelphia court had an agreement Will
The newspapers 20 keep the names O
the children secret Mr.. Paris re
piled that the Philadelphia court ha
an agreement with the Philadelphia
newspaper editors that the names q
The offenders will not be printed. Nh
Paris commended the local newspa
per editors when informed by Judg
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