adopted are statutory wards of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. Registration for adopted daughters is compulsory and for adopted sons voluntary.
20. A certain amount of the increase in the section's work was brought about by inquiries for adoption from the United States, as a result of the coming into force in July 1953 of the Refugee Relief Act, which allowed entry into the U.S.A. of 4,000 orphans. During the year under review 76 cases of adoption abroad were completed by the officers of the Child Welfare Section.
21. A survey of orphanages and other children's institu- tions which was started in June 1955 was temporarily interrupted by the recall of the Officer in charge to help deal with the riotous behaviour of some problem adolescent girls in the Po Leung Kuk. The survey was finally completed in March 1956. (See Appendix VI).
22. The Po Leung Kuk has shown a most marked improve- ment during the year, and the whole concept on which this institution was based has been most thoroughly overhauled by the committee, and brought into line with present day practice. There has been a very close liaison between the staff of the Po Leung Kuk and of the Child Welfare Section of the Social Welfare Office. Improvements include the opening of a nursery for toddlers with trained staff, and also the employment of a trained case-worker (see Appendix VII).
23. A survey of abandoned children in the care of this Section resulted in the discovery of 39 children whose names were subsequently advertised in the Chinese press with a view to tracing their relatives. This publicity met with some success, and eight of these children were eventually restored to their families. This procedure was followed on three further occasions, when 21 more children were advertised. The co- operation of the press was also obtained in suppressing an abuse, whereby pictures of children purporting to be for adoption appeared in the newspapers to enlist public sympathy and solicit money for the advertiser.
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