Decline in Number of Jewish Child Care Institutions Reported

Changing social and economic conditions over the past 20 years and improved methods of treating distressed children have resulted in a sharp decline in the number of Jewish child care institutions, it was reported today by H.L. Lurie, executive director of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds. As a result, Mr. Lurie stated, fully 75 percent of the Jewish child care institutions in operation in 1933 have been closed or merged with other institutions.

Citing a report prepared by the Social Planning Department of the CJFWF on Jewish child care services, Mr. Lurie attributed the sharp decline to: 1. Fewer requests for placement of children in institutions because of improved economic conditions; 2. Tax-supported public and private welfare programs have helped to keep children in their own homes in times of temporary emergency; 3. Increased longevity and higher health standards have resulted in fewer orphans; 4. The low birth rate during the depression years which caused a subsequent decline in the child population.

Another factor responsible for the decline in the number of children under care was the development of new and improved techniques in treatment. Greater emphasis is being put on placing the children in family homes instead of institutions and growing recognition of the individualized needs of children has resulted in more specialized care. These factors, Mr. Lurie said, have reduced the average length of stay in institutions and have led to more rapid adjustments and return of the children to their own families.

The report, which surveyed Jewish child care services in 22 representative communities in the United States over a 21-year period from 1931 through 1951, revealed, however, that increasing numbers of emotionally disturbed children have required attention in recent years. To meet this need, existing agencies have emphasized more individualized care. Small residential treatment units have been established on an experimental basis in several larger Jewish communities. These programs have resulted in more rapid improvement in the children.