§ 11. Mr. John Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has yet approved any plans for the treatment of juvenile offenders in London.
§ Sir K. JosephThe London authorities' scheme for intermediate treatment came 789 into operation with my approval on 1st November. It provides facilities for boys and girls who are under a court order for supervision by a local authority or a probation officer to take part in various activities if the supervisor directs.
§ Mr. FraserHas the Secretary of State studied the Lancashire experiment, financed by the Gulbenkian Foundation, for attaching social workers to schools, which has reduced juvenile crime by one-third? Secondly, what provision is being made for children who are refused admission to community schools? Thirdly, does the right hon. Gentleman intend to finance any experiments in professional foster parents for highly disturbed teenagers who find it difficult to get on even in a community home or in local authority care?
§ Sir K. JosephI am ashamed to say—and I am a good reader—that I do not think I have read the document about the Lancashire experiment to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but I shall make it my business to read it.
The Government are well aware of the difficulty of getting some children into community homes. I have spoken to the Magistrates' Association about it. Further building is planned and in hand. On the third question, I shall study the hon. Gentleman's suggestion and write to him.