The Survey, volume 30, number 7, May 17, 1913Various
History
The Survey, volume 30, number 7, May 17, 1913
Various
Charities -- Periodicals; Social problems -- Periodicals; United States -- Social conditions -- Periodicals
Up to the time of her appointment cases of delinquent girls were
heard, like those of boys, in open court. The effect is thus
described by Judge Pinckney of the Chicago Court, whose assistant
Miss Bartelme is:
“The delinquent girl, unlike the delinquent boy, is generally
brought to court for some sexual irregularity. This means that the
story of her shame and downfall is told openly, publicly. There are
often present at such times curiosity seekers, sensation hunters,
and now and then among the latter, I am sorry to say, are newspaper
reporters looking for a story. Frequently the name of the girl, the
names of her parents, of her brothers and sisters, and her home
address appear in the newspapers, with all the harrowing details of
her trouble. She is fortunate if her picture is not surreptitiously
taken for publication.
“After such an exploitation of her trouble, you tell the
unfortunate child that you want to do something for her—you want to
help her. Is it any wonder that she does not readily respond to the
proffered aid? Her feelings shocked, her sensibilities blunted, her
sense of justice outraged, she is more apt to refuse than accept
your suggestions for her future welfare. To my mind this procedure
is unnecessary, is wrong, is barbarous. Even under the most
favorable conditions possible to a public hearing, it is difficult
to get into sympathetic touch with the child so that she will be in
a receptive mood and willingly amenable to helpful suggestion and
treatment.
“The plan proposed is to have the case of each delinquent girl
heard by a woman, who shall act as the representative and assistant
of the presiding judge. To this woman assistant, in the presence of
the girl’s father and mother, the witnesses will tell the girl’s
story. Every consideration will be shown the girl and her family.
In so far as it is possible to do so, this darkened page in their
lives will be guarded from the public gaze.
“It is believed that these delinquent girls will the more readily
unburden their souls to one of their own sex, and especially if
allowed to so do out of hearing of the public and surrounded by
father and mother and those in sympathy with her and them.
“This is the all-important work for delinquent girls which Mary M.
Bartelme is expected to do—will do. She is the unanimous choice of
the judges of the Circuit Court for the position of assistant to
the judge of the Juvenile Court.”
* * * * *
At the recent annual meeting of the Society of Sanitary and Moral
Prophylaxis, Dr. Edward L. Keyes, Jr., was elected president, to
succeed Dr. Prince A. Morrow, founder, and until his death the head
of the society.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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