Evening star., 1940-02-01

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tration he mentioned some of the
antiquated grade schools, which he
is anxious to see replaced with new
and larger buildings.
A new drive for modernization
and expansion of the Districts child
welfare program appeared to be
under way meanwhile, as result Of
Mrs. Roosevelt's visits.
The first step in a possible new
program already has been taken
by the Board of Public Welfare, it
was recalled, by Its recent action
In proposing the appointment Of q
full time director for the Districts
child care program, which has been
approved by the District Commis-
sioners.
Appointment of such director
is expected soon. the funds for the
$500 job to be taken out of grants
to the District from the Children's
Bureau of the Labor Department,
formerly used for operation of a
child care demonstration project.
Funds Sought for Years.
Records of Robert E. Bondy, Dis
trict welfare director, reveal that
the Welfare Board over a period of
several years has requested appro-
priation of funds for new, modern
and adequate building for the Re-
ceiving Home.
Mr.. Bondy, In commenting on
Mrs. Rcosevelts findings at the
Receiving Home for Children, was
not outspokenly critical Of either
the Commissioners or Congress, but
he agreed that the present plant
was unsatisfactory and that addi-
tional funds were needed.
His view, and that of the Welfare
Board, was buttressed by two tech
nical studies made in recent years
by special consultants, who findings
in general were supported by ad-
visory groups consisting of out
standing residents of the District
as we'll as members Of the Welfare
Board.
Need Cited in Survey.
Urgent recommendations that
funds should be provided for estab-
lishment of a new building for the
Receiving Home were included in
the survey report of Miss Dorothy
Henry, then superintendent of the
Juvenile Detention Home of Cleve-
land, Ohio, and supported by an
advisory committee headed by Mark
Lansburgh. Washington merchant,
which was filed with the Commis-
sioners September IS, 1888.
Much the same views as to the
Receiving Home and other District
child care problems were voiced
in the survey report of Jacob
Kepecs. Chicago welfare official, also
approved by the Lansburgh Ad-
visory Committee, filed with the
Commissioners March 10, 1899.
The present Receiving Home is a
rented building, designed originally
as an apartment house, rented and
converted to District use. 1t is To-
Gated in the 300 block of Potomac
avenue Sc. Failure of the District
to provide adequate facilities there
were recorded in hearings on the
District budget some years ago.
The Welfare Board, the record
shows, sought an appropriation Of
100000 for a new building for the
institution as long ago as for the
fiscal year 1887. Requests for funds
for the purpose have ranged as high
as $213O00.
S58.540 for Home School.
AS to the budget requests, the
record shows that the Welfare Board
sought an appropriation of $61,510
for the Industrial Home School for
White Children for the next fiscal
year, but that the Commissioners
and the Budget Bureau had agreed
on a total of s58, $40. The approved
total for this fiscal year was $56,940.
Principal increases sought for the
next fiscal year were for three new
workers. Mrs. Roosevelt was not
sharply critical OF the Industrial
Home School, although she evi-
denced belief that its program could
be improved.
Under the new program for direc-
ton of child-caring institutions, as
proposed by Director Bondy and the
Welfare Board, the proposed new di-
rector of child care would have
charge of all District institutions
dealing with the problem, plus
requirement to improve and unity
the child care work. The inStitu-
tions involved would be the Receiv-
ing Home, the Industrial Home
School for White Children, the In
dustrial Home School for Colored
Children, the District Training
School for Feeble minded, at Laurel,
Md. and the National Training
School for Girls, where, at the latter
institution, substantial improve
ments have been made as a result
Of demands made by Mrs. Roose-
welt and others in public life in
the District.
Congress at the last regular session
gave some consideration to the prob
lem, and directed. in the current
appropriation measure. that Paul
L. Kirby, assistant director of well
fare, should be detailed, in addition
to his other duties, to take charge
Of direction of the child care pro-
gram.
Need for expansion and moderni-
zation of the District child care,
program was high lighted in the
survey report of Miss Henry, and
generally approved by the Advisory
Committee, which was filed with the
Commissioners in September, 1888.
Recommendations Made.
Recommendation included In
that report were: ....
/. That sufncient appropriation be
asked for In 1910 to continue use