Evening journal., 1921-07-30
DELAWARE AND CHILD WELFARE WORK

EN recent OF paper we printed an editorial
Il based upon national reports. emphasizing the gen
era lack OF effective child welfare work in many sections
Of the United states.
No special reference made to Delaware or the work
that is being done by and under the direction of the
State Child Welfare Commission in advanced special ser
vice TO children and mothers.
There are thirteen health centers here where health
conferences are conducted with physician present when
possible
Fifteen public health nurses visit the city and rural
homes weigh the children and instruct the
mothers in simple childcarng methods look after the
hygenc surroundings OF the family II the baby's
birth is recorded and what diet the children getting
to promote growth and efficiency. The main object of
This work to maintain high standard Of health rather
than sickness seryoeio get children to physicians for
ailments and to get physical defects remeded before they
AFFECT the well-being OF the child,
Many children are found to be suffering from malnu-
riton and yet they not suffering pain apparent
Hundreds OF such become grst for
the tuberculosis mill later in life and others are
d but work at hafsiesm ali their childhood and ma
ury through the minor ailments unremedied. Some
injured by an over-pentful quantity but thoughtess
quality Of food which furnished by the family table.
The old saying that 1--WE dig graves with teeth"
is true only part II often is found that the toothless
baby fed a diet that would shame mouth full OF
teeth. the other hand, often nnds surprising in
teigence and interest where least expected lheSe are
the haeluah spots in the nurses daily and give
her courage 10 face the next problem.
with human beings as with nanimate things IL is "th,
rffi in the mte that makes the music mute; is The
hole in the dyke which, IL not stopped by the timely
hand leads to desolation So in child welfare timely ad
vice and help prevent the wasiage OF child life and
unnecessary expense the State homes for the blind
for The deaf the INDECENT by preventive in
fact saages great numbers whose fate naturally falls in
he human derect class whose earning capacity always
has been Affected by physical handcaps and who go TO
poor houses homes for crippes other public in
stitutons provided and maintained out Of public funds.
Il is interesting to note that where the child welfare
has had special concentration the children be-
many glasses OF milk they drink how much they weigh
how many hours sleep they had how many windows they
keep open at night how many baths they take and how
often Mary Johnny. who is stin skinny or who
drinks coffee.
We can take considerable pride in Delawares pro-
eessyeness in lesslatng for the promotion OF It's utt,
citizens efficiency through giving them foundation fo
health. Our last Legislature it possible for us tc
open more health ceners and procure more nurses Thh
rapidly being done and the rural communities soon will
have special attention from the State Child Welfare Com
mission and its agents
It is pleasing. indeed to be able to state that Deawar
mas not been party to the child welfare slump that II
rs national aspects, has caused so much complalnt
Washington.