Early identification of handicapped children: a time for social work involvement.

Early identification of handicapping conditions in children greatly enhances the possibility of treatment that may limit malfunctioning. Social work has responsibility and an opportunity to become more active in early identification.     

Urbanization and Patterns of Juvenile Delinquency in New South Wales

A comparison of urban and rural patterns of juvenile delinquency in N.S.W. showed that, among boys, there were more charges of breaking entering and stealing, assault, robbery, and truancy in the metropolitan area, and more charges of stealing, receiving, malicious damage, offences against good order, and ‘complaints’ (C.W. Act) in country areas. More boys aged 15 to 17 were charged in the metropolitan area and more aged 12 to 14 in country areas. Similar urban-rural differences were found among girls; however, except for truancy and being uncontrollable, they were not significant. Additionally, in rural areas 12-year-old girls were charged more often with criminal offences and selected ‘complaints’.     

Urban Dispersal in Australia

In a recent issue of the Journal, Professor R. E. Lonsdale argued that the relatively successful American experience of decentralization suggests serious difficulties in attempting a comparable programme in Australia. His comparisons, while illuminating many of the problems which must be faced by a realistic regional development policy, are unduly pessimistic in their assessment of the Australian situation. The barriers to urban dispersal in Australia lie less in economic and social conditions than in political attitudes and governmental structures.