The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-11-03
SOCIAL WORKER ID
 QUIT BIRMINGHAM Miss Dewey Reports Pub lie Inertia" and Lack of
 Funds Responsible

Miss Jessica Dewey. fixed post rep resentative of the interdepartmental social hygiene board. who has been stationed in Birmingham for several months, has made statement of the lpolicy adopted by her in her work here and announces that she will quit the work and leave the city. She severed her connection with this work yester- day, declaring that the funds furnished through the health department were insufficient for continuing the work
 Little publicity has been given the programme of this work" stated Miss Dewey. t'as I was told that publicity would defeat the purpose and I now appreciate the situation more fully, traditions, politics and public Inertia having been more or less influencing. For few months the importance Of this work was very keen, detention home was partially equipped, then an injunction was filed by somewhat prominent lawyer against the health officer holding up the examination of sex offenders. seemed sufficient to change the attitude.
 GIRL PROBLEM
 'srhe girl problem in Birmingham has been a most interesting study from varied points of view. The un- usual perception and ability of the mountain or country girl to copy her city sister in dress and appearance, the lack of home interests. every physical effort being left to the 'colored girl, q sort of impression that the white girl is unfitted for home duties, con sequently the living rooms of the un der-privileged girls forced to exist n room1ng houses are disorderly and impossible to comfort and happiness. Better housing conditions for these girls will be undertaken by the big sister movement and already financial yaid has been pledged.
 'T have been able to give aid in re- corders court, through investigation of home conditions in the disposition of cases. Judge Martin is limited in the disposition of cases on account of there beng no correctional institutions in Alabama to meet the emergencies of difficult problems where personal immortality with lack of sex educa- tion are responsible. Municipal meas ures active in many cities are un- known here. and there is no probation work done here with the exception of what I have done. A sort of correc- ton and relief department is operated expenditures being partially covered Oy the department or SdIety, ana lN1S is supposed to be clearing house for offenders unable to meet imposed fines.
 PISGAH HOME
 T must say that in the number of times I have visited the Pisgah home l have never seen Alabama girl there yet. though there has always been quite a number there. but they were from other states"
 According to Miss Dewey, there are three types of young women in every community, the especially privileged girl, the privileged girl and the under privileged girl Tn her report to the social workers organization she re- lates conditions as she has found tn em here and tells of the things which she things are necessary to assist the un- der-privileged girls and make them better women. As result of this wel- fare work all over the country new standards, preventive measures, are replacing the old ones, she points out and laws for the protection of girls and children are heinz established
 Miss Dewey stated that when she ac- cepted the work in Birmingham last winter she was advised that the com munity was appreciative and desirous Of constructive programme. but she had met with difficulties and many discouragements. However. she stated the situation is more comprehensive and that could the progress be con tinued a lasting influence of better ment would be assured.
 ''Of the 9S cases where some rs- lgious training has evidently been given" stated Miss Dewey rem edial measures through church organiza- tions should work splendid results could the proper channels be reached This cannot be done without the com munity being made awake to the fact that community social service worker is employed for such service and without proper publicity and an office equipment the making for psr- manency of social ideals and work Is lost" F~