Putnam patriot., 1930-04-24

because lf glNeS me ana my ieiloW commissioners an opportunity also to tell the members of this club of our pleasure in receiving. not so long arc. a visit at the home from com nittee of your club. As you know, the county home is a public institu- ton and we are the public servants who administer it's affairs. It is well, therefore, and pleasing to us, when a group of public spirited citizens of this county, such as the membership of this club. manifests a keen inter est in the home and it's management.
 ePerhaps the first and logical ques- tion arising In our minds as we take up the subject of the county home is How long have we had such a home for children and who conceived the idea?' In this connection. then. it might be well to give you brief review.
 Origin of County Homes
 'In 1883 a commission appointed by the governor found that there were some S09 children in almhouses and similar places in this state. The history of neglect and cruelty in the care of these children in some in- stances compelled attention to the rroblem. A plan was worked out for the hetterment of this situation, re- sulting in the passage of law by the 'egislature creating a temporary home for dependent children in each coun- ty. Accordingly. such a home was opened in Windham county on Novem Der i, 1883 at Putnam Heights. The first child was admitted that month and within the year ten boys and four girls, fourteen in all. of the average age of six years, were ad- mitted.
 To Place Children
 "In earlier days, as at present, it was the object of those who worked out this plan, to place these children as soon as consistent with good judg- ment. in some able, respectable private family. With this end in view the board of management ap- pointed committees, consisting of two women from each town in the county. to take personal interest m the work and to assist in placing the children in suitable private homes. These committees served without compensation, perhaps looking upon the work as civic duty. They took their duties seriously and were most careful in selecting homes Tor the children. They not only conseien- tiously investigated these private homes before the children were plac- ed but regularly kept in touch with them afterwards in order to make certain that the children were taken care Of properly. From time to time these committees reported the results of their observations to the board. Thus, the board was kept in close touch with it's charges at all times,
 '1t seems that in the earlier days it was the custom to meet annually the town committees at the home. On this occasion entertainment was provided for and by the children. Public officers and prominent citizens attended the meeting. Not infrequent- ly the adoption of some child by good. prominent family would follow.
 For Protection and Care
 "As you all know the object of the county home is to receive children between the ages of four and eight cn, who are neglected, deserted, cruel fv treated or dependent. Formerly the ages were between two and SIX teen. They are committed to the home for their better protection and care. No child who is demented, aiotic or suffering from any incur able or contagious disease is suppos- ed to be committed to the home, or II allowed to remain there in. Before admission each child IS examined by reputable physician. The committing authori- ties are judges of juvenile and pro bate courts. The commissioners are given notice of every hearing involv- ing the possible commitment or child to the home.
 ssThe system of placing out children ia somewhat similar at present except that now investigations of homes urior to placing of children is carried on bv members of the Child Welfare Bureau. A report of the conditions found at the home investigated IS then submitted to the commissioners bv the Child Welfare Bureau and If the report is deemed favorable, ap- proval is given and the child is placed in the private home.
 Tn all cases. of course, the welfare of the child is of paramount import. ance. Placement ia good home and