New Britain herald., 1923-01-18
Connolly Opposes Detention House For Children Placed Under Arrest

pointed out that might il was
 thought, prove a hlndTahee rather
 ihan helR, As time goes on, how
 ever. less criticism Of the law is be-
 ing heard and our experience is that
 it Is very hard for the delinquent to
 escape being called 10 account no
 matter what the nature Of the es-
 eapade may be, Investigation Prior lo Hearing,
 "fhe fact that il is now eompui- sarY for lhe probation officer to make
 full investigation Of all phases of
 the ease and present written report
 t0 the judge before the hearing is
 proving a great factor in finding ihe
 right solution for each particular ease,
 This investigation neeessitates a per-
 sonal contact sith the home, an inc teFElew with the boy, his parents, and
 any other interested party,sueh as the complainant 4 written record must
 he secured rom the school he atr
 tends and either one Of the parents
 must be present ai The hearing. The
 result Of an this procedure is that the child, the parents, and the court are
 more fully informed than ever before ar all the facts connected with the case and when the hearing is held the child and his parents are made to un- defstand that what matters most Is the future welfare Of the child and that all the machinery Of the court Is set up for prevention and correction with view to preparing him or her for future responsibilities and citizenship.
 Very often the officer finds on visiting tho home that neither one Of the parents arc aware that their child has been into mischief and quite fre- auently they take care Of the trouble in q way that makes 1t unnecessary 10 bring tho delinquent into court. In ms way as cases involving 74 boys and live girls were disposed of last year. Every complaint coming 10 the officer IS investigated and n report filed for future reference.
 Home Life Oftca to Blame
 Many Of the cases coming to my attention are due to lack of the pro- per home life and training. They l come from homes where father or mother are either too ignorant 10 as- sume or wilfully disregard their re- llgious and moral responsibilities in the care Of their children: homes. where they cling to the old world GUS toms and do not keep pace with Young America: where the father and mother both work 10 hours q day, neglecting their children as re- suit; where the family have to be con- tent with hastily prepared meals or none at all, until mother returns at night at which time she is too tired n body and mind to take any special nterest in the children In quite a ew instances I found there was no necessity for the mother to add to the , ncome by working in the factory and lave tried to convince the parents <. hat example is better than precept: Y. hat it pays better in every way for ! he mother to stay at home and set he example of correct living herself l: nd that simple, every day honesty , nd contentment is what counts most n making a happy home life.
 No Need of Detention House I
 We have during the last year been Lble to get along without a regular etention home suggested in the law, s the cases needing confinement be- ore hearing have been few. It is a :. ebatable question as to whether or . ot detention homes are an absolute eed or best way of solving the prob nm. Our neighbor:ng state of pioneer in probation 'ork, has no such homes and man. ges to get along without them. My ersonal conviction is that the par nts should be made responsible for he delinquent's appearance in court nd made to give a bond in doubtful ases. Usually the probation officer an meet the need as it arises. If it nould become absolutely necessary ) use other means the judge has the to provide a place and see nat the eXDenSe is taken care of