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Show PUBLIC WARNED ON CONTRIBUTIONS TO YOUTH HOMES People being asked to donate money toward the establishment establish-ment for homes for groups of homeless, pre-delinquent and delinquent children should very carefully investigate the background back-ground of the sponsor before making contributions. This advice came from Richard Rich-ard P. Lindsay, director, Utah Division of Family Services, who noted that requests for funds have been recently made by both in-state and out-of-state promoters of children's homes and other facilities, with less than adequate explanation of the use to be made of the contributed funds. "There has probably never been time when good group homes for problem youth were more needed than now, and operators of many of these homes, youth ranches, etc., should be commended for providing pro-viding a most valuable service," Mr. Lindsay said, "but caution must be exercised in seeing that such homes meet certain standards and will be effective effec-tive in accomplishing their purposes." Well operated homes are often oft-en less expensive than care at the State Hospital or Industrial School and beneficial for certain cer-tain youth who are in difficulty diffi-culty with their families or experiencing ex-periencing adjustment problems. pro-blems. No matter how impressive the promotion and the plea for money, Mr. Lindsay advised that the contributing person or firm should seek answers to questions such as these: Is a home or facility presently present-ly in existence or merely a promise. Who is managing and promoting pro-moting the youth facility. How well defined are educa- tional and theraputical programs? pro-grams? Business practices? Living arrangements? Are reputable specialists in education, child care, and other professions available for consultation? What types of problem youngsters will be accepted, and how will child residents be selected for admission? |