New York Legislative Documents Volume 43 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919-01-01 Excerpt: ...in Rural New York, will agree that the problem of juvenile delinquency as well as adult delinquency in the rural districts, although not quite so apparent, is ju.t as serious ns in the urban localities. We are particularly hopeful in Erie County of being able to bring order out of chaos in the treatment of juvenile delinquents. Coming down to details in the administration of the service, we find, as you all know, that probation is divided into two essential elements: 1. The selection of cases after preliminary investigations. 2. Case treatment. Now, I know that it is not necessary to emphasize lefore a group of this kind the vital importance of a projer selection of cases for probationary treatment, nor the necessity for making preliminary investigations. Those things are no longer academic or theoretical. They are now a condition. The quality of the investigation, however, is quite another matter. I feel that every probation officer here present realizes the need for accuracy, honesty and the absence of bias or prejudice in the making of investigations. I know also that you understand the necessity for securing a complete social history of the offender and a thorough examination of his physical and mental capabilities. Perhaps it is not possible in some of the departments at the present time to have this done, but it should be the aim of every probation officer. In Erie County we are making substantial progress in this matter. We have made use of psychologists and psychiatrists on many occasions during the past few years, although-we have had no direct appropriation for this purpose. The board of supervisors, however, have now under consideration a request for a substantial amount to be used to employ the services of these experts and to permit us to...