The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-26
PROTECTING THE CHILDREN

PROTECTING THE CHILDREN
 Alabama enjoys the distinction o being among the foremost states il
 child welfare and child labor legisla ton. In 1919 the legislature created a special department of child welfar which has for it's prime concern tn, well-being of those children unfortu nately situated and who would other wise be without any systematic pro teetion. The department supervise orphanages, juvenile courts, and othel public institutions which have to dc with delinquent, defective or indigen children. It has the especial responsi bility of seeing to it that the child la bor laws are enforced. It is charged with the duty of inquiring into anc providing for separated and remote cases of children that are not properly housed, clothed, fed, schooled anc trained. In short, the Alabama depart ment of child welfare is designed tc rescue from hopelessness, ignorance under-nourishment, abuse and evil sur. roundings the less fortunate children of this state.
 In this group come thousands whose plight is due to no fault of their own, who under proper surroundings and nourishment would be alert, intelli- gent, healthful and sure to grow up into valuable, lawabiding citizens, but who, without some such help, are in great danger either of dying in child hood, or else of growing up viciously inclined, unhealthy, ignorant and a menace rather than a contribution to society. The states best and most permanent assets are it's children and its youth. The history of tomorrow will be what these youngsters shall make it. If we desire that the stand ard shall be high, then we must see to | it that the children, all the children, are given the opportunity they deserve and that is their birthright.
 The welfare department has done | wonders. It has caused reforms in the juvenile courts, has required in many instances better and more sani- | tary surroundings for such courts, as, for example, at Mobile. It has caused to cease many abuses of the child la Dor laws. It has co-operated with pub lie school authorities in checking tru- ancy. It has rescued children from environment poisonous to their moral and physical growth. It has worked in harmony with orphanages and for the good of the orphans. It has raised Alabama child welfare standards so high that they can be seen waving far above those of sister states. It has surveyed the field and now knows what is necessary to supplement the work already in progress and to bring the state nearer to the achievement of its ambitions in this department.
 The work, unfortunately, is ham, pered for lack of funds. The legisla- ture has recognized the need, but has not yet comprehended the extent and the appropriations necessary to make the work completely effective. Dr. Hastings H. Hart, of the Russell Sage Foundation, in a report of last De- cember to Governor Kilby, said: "The state child welfare department is fun damentally an agency founded on the principles of prevention and recon struction. This department is the only agency in the state, outside of insti- tutional establishments, which cares for such classes of children, except the Alabama children's aid society, which has been partially supported from the appropriation of the child welfare department. The appropria- tion for this work has been only $30,000 year, which is very mea- ger sum for the work required, es- pecially when it is remembered that the board is responsible for the ad- ministration of the child law. The Jhildren's Home Society of Florida, a private institution which does similar work in that state, expends over $1OO,- 900 per year, and the Children's Home Society of Mississippi has expended as high as $50,O00 in one year."
 In this regard the director of the department says: "In discharging the duties prescribed by law, the members of the child welfare department found themselves helpless in the matter of providing means for the care of chil- dren left destitute and homeless by reason of poverty, neglect, dependency and other causes, because there were no funds for child care" The state has undertaken definite responsibil. ity in regard to the welfare ofNunfor. tunate children. It cannot evade the further duty of properly financing the program formulated for meeting tha, responsibility.
 ECONOMY IN SCHOOL EXPENSE l It is estimated by the purchasing !agent of the city board of education