Commercialized Prostitution in New York CityKneeland, George J. (George Jackson)
History
Commercialized Prostitution in New York City
Kneeland, George J. (George Jackson)
Prostitution -- New York (State) -- New York
The Church Mission of Help began its work by a prolonged study of 229
cases of wayward girls who were more or less connected with the Episcopal
Church. Parental and good home conditions were sadly lacking in most
cases. On the basis of this study the society began its work of
information to the church and of helpfulness to the girls. During the year
1912 it was in touch with 352 girls, of whom 148 were under its direct
care, 58 were cared for on leaving institutions, and 103 were in
institutions. Two hundred and six of these girls were connected with the
Episcopal Church. Twelve other religious bodies were represented, while a
small number of the girls had no religious affiliations. All cases are
referred, where possible, to the churches with which they are or were
connected. The work of this society is largely personal. Besides locating
girls in homes and institutions, employment is found for those fitted for
it. Some court work is done. In addition to paid workers, an increasing
number of trained volunteers are being used. Besides the care of the
church girl and the work of education and prevention done by this society,
its service of visitation in institutions is most valuable. The visits of
sympathetic women to girls in institutions pave the way for a useful
service in their social reinstatement later.
The wider work of the New York Probation Association, which deserves
mention here, is in the form of a careful study of all the cases with
which it has to do. A thorough physical examination is given each girl by
a physician. A mental examination follows and cases are placed under the
direct supervision of a skilled neurologist and psychologist. Careful
records of all facts are kept. The discovery of physical and mental
weakness, often after prolonged study, leads to a definite course of
action. Such scientific results are not only valuable in the practical
treatment of the individual girl, but furnish a basis on which the courts
act, and are of wide usefulness to the student of the conditions which
lead to moral delinquency.
(c) CORRECTIONAL WORK
There are three main correctional agencies in New York City: the New York
State Training School for Girls at Hudson, the State Reformatory for Women
at Bedford and the Workhouse. A real work of correction is also
accomplished in the case of those committed to the House of the Good
Shepherd, the House of Mercy, and the Magdalen Benevolent Society Home.
The State Farm for Women, to be situated at Valatie, is not yet
established, and the House of Detention, in connection with the Night
Court for women, which would serve as an intermediary to correctional
agencies, is not yet available.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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