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MIGRATORY FAMILIES

The settlement laws which are in force in a number of our states at the present are hindering the prompt care of all handicapped children of migratory parents. In these instances the resident requirements of the laws must be fulfilled before the crippled child can be cared for.

Dr. A. L. Van Horn at the Wilmington Conference emphasized the problems arising out of this situation and said that the Crippled Children Services were urging states at least "to relax their requirements for residency."

The National Society is also urging cooperation of its affiliated state societies for children with other agencies through Resolution No. VI passed at Wilmington.

Two years ago a study was made of the of settlement and migration by the State Department of Welfare of New York of which David C. Adie is Commissioner. He gives a summary of their findings in these words in an article in the current issue of Public Welfare News: "Our settlement laws, perhaps once suitable to a states agricultural economy, are no longer useful and have no place in a modern dynamic industrial society." In the same article Mr. Adie pointed out that the number of migrant peoples who need help after they migrate is "only a small part of the peoples." He furthermore shows that the administrative cost of the Charge Back system between districts is all out of proportion to the small amounts exchanged, not to speak of the work involved.

Rhode Island is one state which has recognized the true status of its settlement provisions and negated them in January of this year by passing the General Public Assistance Act which renders speedy aid to the needy irrespective of residence. We note in the same issue of Public Welfare News a statement to the effect that "other groups are working to have settlement laws of other states repealed or at least suspended for duration bercause of the detrimental effect they have upon the migration necessary for war activities."

Very significant also is the United State Supreme Court's decision against one of the old poor laws. In the case of Edwards vs. People of California the Court declared unconstitutional a law which bars a man from entering a state because he is indigent.

We may hope, therefore, that prompt action may be effective in respect to laws which hinder the intent of our people in the care of physically handicapped children among the parents of migratory families seeking employment and a place in the nation's war effort.

FORMULA FOR INFERIORITY COMPLEXES

Dame Agnes Hunt has a recipe to dispell the feeling of inferiority which often afflicts crippled children or young adults when they realize that active fun and sports are not for them. Her warming draught was tested in her long experience as a crippled child and as a nurse, who, in the discharge of her duties as superintendent of an English crippled children hospital, used the preparation which she prescribed in March to the newly organized Scottish Orthopaedic council for this "mental misery."

"It is a horrible feeling," she acknowledged as she recalled her own girlhood and her "long and grim apprenticeships to one of the most painful of all crippling diseases." Her formula is "hope and love, fun and laughter, and the God-given joy of life. For this purpose you must have a hospital which is not the slave of rules and regulations; you must appoint a matron with a keen sense of humor and kindness, and not only because she has splendid diplomas and testimonials. Fortunately it is much easier to have a happy hospital if it is in the open air. Do not become proud of your hospital, however grand it may be, for it is only bricks and mortar; be proud of the fun and laughter that will echo from the wards."

These are wise words from the lips of a noble woman. She was closely associated with Sir Robert Jones, the great English orthopaedic surgeon, and together they pioneered in a program for the British Isles that was built on such far-seeing principles as Dame Agnes proposed a short time ago to the Scottish Council.

The spirit of these words should guide those who plan for the health and well-being of the physically handicapped in all the experiences which they, as ministers and those ministered to, share together.