Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1936-01-26
Juvenile Bill Based on Social Need
Testimony for and Against Philosophy of Public RESPONSE
blity Expected at Hearings

who has violated any ordinance or
regulation Of the District of Column
bia; o.
"(2) Who by reason of. being way
ward or habitually disobedient Is I'M
controlled by his parent, guardian or
custodis n: or
90 Who is habitually truant from
school or home; or
go Who habitually so deports him.
self as to injure or endanger the
morals or health Of himself or others;
or
"(5) Who is abandoned by his par
ents. guardian, or custodian; or
"(6) Who lacks proper parental care
by reason of the fault or habits of the
parent, guardian, or custodian; or
"(D Whose parent, guardian, or
custodian neglects or refuses to pro-
vide necessary subsistence, education.
medical, or surgical care or other care
necessary for his health, morals, or
well-being; or
go Whose parent, guardian, or
custodian neglects or refuses to pro-
vide or avail himself Of the special
care made necessary by his mental
condition; or
"(9) Who associates with Migrants
vicious. or immoral persons; or
100 Who engages in an occupa-
ton or is in a situation dangerous tt
life or limb or injurious to the health
or morals of himself or others; or
"uD Who is homeless or destitute
or without proper support or care
through no fault Of his parent OF
guardian; or
"u2) Who lacks proper care by rea.
son Of the mental or physical condi.
ton Of the parent. guardian. or Gus.
todian."
Also. the court would have jurisdic.
ton over adults who encourage any
bof the above conditions.
Information and Inquiry.
| In addition. ANY person may give t.
the court information in his posses,
sion that child Is within the pro.
visions of this act. Thereupon tn,
court may make preliminary inquir,
to determine whether the interests o
the public or Of the child require tina
further action be taken"
In the disposition of cases, thre,
broad alternatives are presented tn,
court as follows:
"Q Place the child on probatio
or under supervision in his own HON,
or in the custody of relative or othe
fit person, upon such terms as tn,
court shall determine.
"(2) Commit the child to the Boart
of Public Welfare; or to the Natpna
Training School for Girls or the Ma
tional Training School for Boys If il
need Of such care as is given in sucl
schools; or to qualified suitable pri
vate institution or agency willing an,
able to assume the education, car
and maintenance of such child with
out expense to the public.
"(3) Make such further disposition
as the court may deem to be best TO
the best interests of the child, excep
as herein otherwise provided"
Naturally enough, such an extrem
proposal has encountered bitter crit
cism, principal point Of attack bein
the autocratic powers which it woul
bestow upon the court. In this poin
would seem to rest both the strengt
and weakness of the proposal; namel,
the quality of personnel. Selection {
q highly qualified judge and coul
officers would be essential; those fear
full of political manipulation declar
the chances Of such selections too sill
to make it safe.
More detailed criticism, and defens,
undoubtedly will be presented to Mr.
Morton's committee when hearings al
; held.