Social_Welfare_Annual_Report_1956-1957 — Page 25

Homes and Hostels and the constitution and duties of Probation Case Committees, are now under consideration.

89.

The Remand Home continues to prove of the greatest value in dealing with three distinct categories of juveniles:

(a) Remand Cases;

(b) Cases awaiting appearance before the Court;

(c) Residential Training.

90. As many as 3,286 children, of whom 356 were girls, passed through the Home during the year.

91. 288 juveniles were committed to the Home on a Remand Warrant issued by a Magistrate. The purpose of such a remand is to provide an opportunity for a juvenile to be observed as he participates in the various activities of the daily routine, and to enable a Probation Officer to conduct intensive inquiries into his background. The reports of the Probation Officer and the Superintendent of the Remand Home furnish and Magistrate with valuable information, which assists them in the disposal of the case.

92. By virtue of section 16 of the Juvenile Offenders Ordin- ance the Court may commit cases to the Remand Home (a place of Detention) in lieu of other forms of punishment for a period of not exceeding six months. Primary education, vocational and occupational training, scout activities and an atmosphere of discipline and orderliness, combines with individual attention, teach these juveniles to live as active and co-operative members of a community. It is gratifying to be able to record that during the past year 106 juveniles were committed to the Home for training, and of the 89 who completed their period of residence only one boy was subsequently charged with an offence.

93. All other juveniles who have passed through the Home (2,892 cases) were sent by the police for custody prior to appearance before the Juvenile Courts. Most of them are hawkers, shoe-blacks and beggars. Having regard to the transient nature of these cases little can be attempted other than to give them decent meals, a good bath and a comfortable

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