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The Children’s Aid Society of Western Manitoba at its 61st an nual meeting in Knox United Church last night reported a “growing acceptance’ by the public to adopt children of Indian ancestry—if the children can “pass as whites.” Mrs. H. C. Riesberry, society executive director, in her annual report said this was a “‘sign of progress,’ even though couples tend to pick children who aren't markedly Indian in appearance. She told an audience of over 200 persons that more couples are ready to ‘take a risk’’ in adopting children with physical ailments as hernia and dia betes. More adoptions are being pro cessed. The provincial depart ment of health and welfare has increased its legal staff to ex pedite the clearance of Manitoba adoptions. The society in 1957- 1958 received 63 adoption de crees. In 1958-1959, there were 121 decrees for adoption. Mrs. Riesberry suggested the ‘recession” and resulting un employment was behind the “‘tre mendous upsurge” of almost 100 per cent in children requiring temporary foster home care. In the 1957-58 period there were 67 children in temporary foster homes. In 1958-1959, there were 106. The executive director said the recession weeded out work ers with the least experience, qualifications and education. The breadwinner’s loss of in come created a family crisis, leading to piling debts, exces sive drinking, desertion or a breakdown of one parent she said. Fifty per cent of children requiring foster home care came from similar circum stances she said. “We have noted for several years a trend towards unmar ried parenthood at a younger age,’ said Mrs. Riesberry. More children of unmarried mothers are receiving care and the problem is related directly to a 40 per cent increase in un wed mothers referred to the agency last year, she said. Temporary residence, employ ment, home nursing and medical attention was given to 226 un wed mothers during the year. In 1957-1958 there were 203 unwed mothers. The society's year began with 1,032 active cases and ended as of March 21 with L- 055. It opened 950 active cases and 927 were closed as com pleted. The society provided 55,328 days of care to children com mitted by the courts because of neglectful parents. Some chil dren were admitted because their parents were ill, or because the youngsters could not get along with their parents. In 1958-1959 there were 156 admitted to the society’s care and 139 were able to leave. The society's work load fell into ironing out broken fami les, as 453 families involving 1343 children were helped. Most children remained with their parents. The Foster Home committee distributed 250 parcels to needy families and bought Christmas gifts for 145 children. The society's camp commit tee, through contributions of Brandon service clubs, council and other organizations. took 58 children from seven to 14 years of age on a Clear Lake trip last July. Another is plan ned this summer.
Newspaper Details
Brandon Daily Sun
Brandon, Manitoba, CA
Fri, Jun 12, 1959
Page 3
Full Page
Clipped by
Emily P.
