The plan of visitation of discharged inmates is not yet fully developed. At the present time thirty-four paroled girls are under the care of the management. Correspondence is conducted with them and twenty-eight are reported as doing well. After much study a new plan of merit marking has been inaugurated which by a system of credits for good behavior, efficient work and satisfactory progress will permit an inmate to earn parole and discharge within (approximately two years) and while still an inmate secure the privileges of the cottage life and gradual promotion to the honor cottage, where the restrictions upon liberty are less and where the distinctive dress of the institution is discarded. The water supply is poor in quality and in volume; the matter needs the careful examination of civil engineers and a sufficient appropriation to secure an equipment to remedy the situation. NEW YORK STATE REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN, BEDFORD, N. Y. (Established 1892.) Commitments made to this reformatory, especially from the city of New York, are increasingly women of criminal record. This tendency is the natural result of the probation regulations and in consequence some of the women committed now are incapable of benefit by the training of the institution. With the opening of cottage 7 the capacity of the institution is 320. The population for the year averaged about 300, of which number from 3 per cent. to 5 per cent. were infants. In planning for cottage dormitory No. 8, bids for which have been advertised, the plans of cottage No. 7 have been used, as they have met with general approval. The new school and industrial building ready for occupancy June 2, 1909, was formally opened June 22, 1909. This building was much needed. It has an excellent gymnasium, with transom ventilation, and has in the half-basement allotted to it a floor space of 40 x 50 feet. The first floor of the building has an excellent locker and dressing room and on the second floor there are four class rooms, besides which there are rooms for domestic art and industrial training classes. The other building operations planned are: A north annex to the administration building, and an enlargement of the system of fire protection and water distribution. There are at present eighty-seven girls on parole under visitation or correspondence with the institution authorities. Another parole agent is needed to make the proper visitations, as the theory of parole contemplates that all the girls shall receive the personal attention of the visiting staff. SOCIETY FOR THE REFORMATION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, COMMONLY KNOWN AS "THE HOUSE OF REFUGE," RANDALL'S ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY. (Established 1824.) We note favorably the considerable reduction in the population of this institution. At the close of the fiscal year, September 30, 1909, it had only 618 inmates as compared with 717 the year before. This indicates a more liberal application of parole methods. A fourth parole officer has been allowed recently to increase the efficiency of the service. This committee hopes that no "Refuge " inmates will be transferred to the New York State Training School for Boys. when that is ready for receptions. There have been no important changes at the "Refuge" during the year. Repairs and general equipment have been kept up and renewals made as needed. The sanitary condition of the plant is as good as can be expected, but constant attention is needed to keep the lavatories and plumbing in proper order. The health of the boys has been good. The nursing force consists of two graduated nurses who divide the night and day service. This institution has a visiting physician call daily and direct treatment when sickness occurs. Serious cases and those of an operative character are removed to the city hospitals. At the site of the new State Training School the preliminary work of survey and taking of title has been accomplished and it is expected building operations will soon begin. An agent has been appointed to have general care of the properties and prevent trespass. The committee respectfully recommends for the " Refuge appropriations sufficient for maintenance and such necessary repairs as will keep the plant in sanitary condition and comfortable for temporary occupation. Respectfully submitted, STEPHEN SMITH, M. D., ANNIE G. BOLTON, DENNIS McCARTHY, JOSEPH C. BALDWIN, JR., Committee on Reformatories. October 1, 1909. |