Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/807

 THE RELIEF AND CARE OF DEPENDENTS 793

in evil associations, and to bring them before the court for trial. The court may commit them to this board, which then furnishes them a temporary home, secures their adoption, binds them out, or places them with families. 1

A similar board has been provided for in cities of the first class in the state of Kentucky. Its powers and duties are the same as those of the Indiana boards. 2 In both states the mem- bers serve without pay.

A board of children's guardians was created in the District of Columbia in 1892. It is composed of nine members, each sex being represented by at least three. The board is a continuous body, three of the members being chosen each year. They are chosen by the justices of the police courts and the judge of the criminal court at a meeting called for that purpose. The work of the board is done through agents, it having an appropriation of not more than $2,400 per year for not more than two agents. The courts commit those under sixteen who are destitute, aban- doned, or vagrant, or who have vicious and drunken parents, or are living in vicious and immoral associations, to this board, which then provides for them as stated above. 3

Little has been done in the way of regulating private insti- tutions caring for children, although state supervision and regulation of such is deemed highly important by many with experience in child-saving work. 4 In Pennsylvania "baby farms" are under state regulation. Such institutions must be licensed by the mayor or a magistrate, and may be visited and inspected by the state board of public charities. 5 In Maine no children's home may be incorporated without the certificate of the probate judge. 6 As was seen above, the incorporation of children's homes in New York must be approved by the state board of charities. Michigan defines very clearly the po\\<:rs

1 Act of March 9, 1889, as amended by Acts of March 9, 1891, and March 3, 1893. 2008-2013. ' Act of July 26, 1892.

4 As to the necessity of the state regulation of private institutions for the care of children and the points regulation should cover, see HOMER FOLK'S paper, on the "State Supervision of Child-saving Ageti r. C., 1895, p. 209.

5 3-5. P- 10I4- 'Act of 1894.