Juvenile delinquency (1955)

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JUVENILE DELINQUENCY 45 It is in recognition of these facts that we introduce our boys to a big brother, such a man as I have described, who by frequent and close association wins the boy's friendship and respect, and eventu- ally becomes his idol. This process whereby a well motivated and able man exerts his influence on a boy has proven its worth many times over, not only in our own agency but throughout the country. An element necessary in the success of this work, and one which we enjoy, is the cooperation and help of our county juvenile court and juvenile police departments. It is the basic understanding of children's behavior on the part of the representative of some of these departments that makes our contributions toward better citizens of tomorrow possible. We are interested in boys between the ages of 8 and 18. We are particularly interested in having these boys referred to an agency such as ours from the police who are generally in the position of having these boys first come to their attention when they behave in a manner which is not entirely acceptable. I believe that briefly explains our program. Chairman Kefauver. Thank you very much, Mr. Roy. I know we are all interested in the Big Brothers' effort. It is a wonderful influence all over this country. You have 100 men who are willing to give some of their time and thought and effort to this cause ? Mr. EoY. That's right, and who give considerable of their time and considerable of their thought and patience to these boys. Chairman Kefauver. How many boys, let us say, in the course of a year, do you reach in this way ? Mr. Roy. Last year we were able to work with 758 boys. Chairman Kefauver. Just how do you do it? Do you meet every so often and meet with their Big Brothers and the Big Brothers keep in touch with what they are doing ? Mr. Roy. Exactly, sir. I think you have heard of this program through an investigation in Washington where a representative of our national organization spoke to you on the committee. A boy who needs this type of association, comes to our attention, and we find in his immediate neighborhood a man who is willing and able and has sufficient patience—because it does take patience to assume this responsibility—to spend some time with this boy. He will do various activities with this boy of a nature which are interest- ing to both. Through these activities, which are only a method of reaching this boy, he will win the boy's friendship and his respect and his confidence, and he, the Big Brother, will become the person that every boy needs to look up to at some time in that boy's life. These associations will last frequently on a lifetime basis. We have a big brother who some years ago acted as a big brother to a little brother, and in addition to standing up for him in the process of his marriage, he is now serving as a godfather at his child's baptism. Chairman Kefau%^r. It is important and wonderful because it is the giving of one's own thought and time and attention to the child. We think this is one of the marvelous efforts throughout our Nation, and we certainly want to encourage you in what you are doiug. I think it has meant much to tens of thousands of kids all through this country. We thank you very much. Mr. Roy. Thank you, Senator. 647G5—55 4