Founded 1980
Chair:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Graham Smith
Jan Thompson
Graham Mumby-Croft
Introduction to The Borstal System
• For the idle lad in his later teens, the corner of a street is even more dangerous than the middle of the street for the aged and preoccupied. Here, in a hundred cities of England and Wales gather daily the men and lads who are already unemployed and in danger of becoming unemployable.
• Education quickly fades, lodging houses beckon and standards of conduct grow daily less distinct. Such is the soil from which spring the great majority of young criminals.
• Many, by luck or cunning, somehow contrive to avoid the law and drift without actual disaster to the weary end of an uncontributing life.
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Some escape and fall into honest work. But others overstep that narrow limit...and instead of being merely non-contributive citizens they become, by breach of the law, the enemies of society.
Some escape and fall into honest work. But others overstep that narrow limit...and instead of being merely non-contributive citizens they become, by breach of the law, the enemies of society.•In 1931, 897 young men were sentenced to Borstal Training.
In 1931, 897 young men were sentenced to Borstal Training.•Aim of the training is to turn them into decent men. A fascinating task but only to be attempted by an optimist. Desires must be balanced and controlled, and inhibition must be strengthened.
Aim of the training is to turn them into decent men. A fascinating task but only to be attempted by an optimist. Desires must be balanced and controlled, and inhibition must be strengthened.•The good must be developed to beat the bad and a clear and effective knowledge of right and wrong must be introduced.
The good must be developed to beat the bad and a clear and effective knowledge of right and wrong must be introduced.•Nearly every vice is represented in this straggling army. Yet strangely, every virtue can also be found among them. One is loyal albeit dishonest, another is truthful though of ungoverned temper, a third picks pockets but loves music, a fourth maintains his honesty untarnished though he behaves like a beast.
Nearly every vice is represented in this straggling army. Yet strangely, every virtue can also be found among them. One is loyal albeit dishonest, another is truthful though of ungoverned temper, a third picks pockets but loves music, a fourth maintains his honesty untarnished though he behaves like a beast.•In the great majority, there is a social sense which enables them to follow a lead, to respond to the appeal to support their small community, particularly if it engages in friendly competition with another small community.
In the great majority, there is a social sense which enables them to follow a lead, to respond to the appeal to support their small community, particularly if it engages in friendly competition with another small community.•Borstal Training is based on the double assumption that there is individual good in each, and among nearly all an innate corporate spirit.
Borstal Training is based on the double assumption that there is individual good in each, and among nearly all an innate corporate spirit.•In the moral training of an institution, the individual virtue is discovered and developed, while the discipline of the institution is founded on the esprit de corp it has evoked.
In the moral training of an institution, the individual virtue is discovered and developed, while the discipline of the institution is founded on the esprit de corp it has evoked.The Stages of Borstal
•Some wear clothes of brown and others of blue and there is a huge gulf between them. The lad in brown is still in his first year of training, learning to play the game. The lad in Blue has passed through four stages and is in his second year. He is comparatively a free agent, moving at his own will with some authority over the lads in Brown, enjoying a little world of privileges which he has won laboriously as he passed through each stage. Last stage of all he has earned the right to have one cigarette or pipe each evening and perhaps to go to camp for a week in the summer.
Some wear clothes of brown and others of blue and there is a huge gulf between them. The lad in brown is still in his first year of training, learning to play the game. The lad in Blue has passed through four stages and is in his second year. He is comparatively a free agent, moving at his own will with some authority over the lads in Brown, enjoying a little world of privileges which he has won laboriously as he passed through each stage. Last stage of all he has earned the right to have one cigarette or pipe each evening and perhaps to go to camp for a week in the summer.•Every privilege serves a double purpose - it acts as an incentive and, once attained it is a potential punishment. For if a lad is mischievous, he can lose his cigarette that evening, a simple punishment, innocuous and instant.
Every privilege serves a double purpose - it acts as an incentive and, once attained it is a potential punishment. For if a lad is mischievous, he can lose his cigarette that evening, a simple punishment, innocuous and instant. House System
•Through Houses, corporate pride is nurtured. The smaller the unit, the stouter the allegiance of the lad. He becomes proud of his House. He can be induced sometimes so to change his habits as to conform to its traditions.
Through Houses, corporate pride is nurtured. The smaller the unit, the stouter the allegiance of the lad. He becomes proud of his House. He can be induced sometimes so to change his habits as to conform to its traditions.•Colours break the scene, for the tops of the stockings are red, green or yellow depending on the House.
Colours break the scene, for the tops of the stockings are red, green or yellow depending on the House.•The Housemaster and his staff set the standard, the boys catch the spirit and on it rolls to successive generations.
The Housemaster and his staff set the standard, the boys catch the spirit and on it rolls to successive generations.•The group is the smallest unit of all, led by a group leader, one of the bluest blooded of those in blue. This division into smaller entities releases the two great weapons of moral training - personal influence and the corporate spirit.
The group is the smallest unit of all, led by a group leader, one of the bluest blooded of those in blue. This division into smaller entities releases the two great weapons of moral training - personal influence and the corporate spirit.Daily Routine and Health
•The first impression a visitor receives is that of rude health. Most of these lads were born in the darkest homes and broke every law of health until they came here.
The first impression a visitor receives is that of rude health. Most of these lads were born in the darkest homes and broke every law of health until they came here.•Now they traverse with cheery faces and robust bodies a daily programme from 6 am to 9 pm.
Now they traverse with cheery faces and robust bodies a daily programme from 6 am to 9 pm.•Four simple but abundant meals. Regular hours. Hard work. Physical exercise. All fitting them for manhood.
Four simple but abundant meals. Regular hours. Hard work. Physical exercise. All fitting them for manhood.•Every day they work in a shop or kitchen, on the farm or at unskilled labour, for eight hours, broken only by dinnertime.
Every day they work in a shop or kitchen, on the farm or at unskilled labour, for eight hours, broken only by dinnertime.•It is impossible to teach a trade in two years, but lads become used to a full working day and grow handy with tools.
It is impossible to teach a trade in two years, but lads become used to a full working day and grow handy with tools.•There is physical training every day. Self-control is learned in the gymnasium rather than on parade.
There is physical training every day. Self-control is learned in the gymnasium rather than on parade.•After this follow two hours in evening school, where a bewildering variety of subjects is taught, their
After this follow two hours in evening school, where a bewildering variety of subjects is taught, theirsole object being to train the brain to think, stir the imagination, extend their interests, to develop individuality which can save itself.'
'•Work and exercise and education nearly fill the day. There follows a short interval for recreation, where the intelligentsia play chess and the proletariat argue about the Arsenal.
Work and exercise and education nearly fill the day. There follows a short interval for recreation, where the intelligentsia play chess and the proletariat argue about the Arsenal.•Then each to his dormitory, which he has not seen since he left it early that morning.
Then each to his dormitory, which he has not seen since he left it early that morning.•1922 it was agreed that, save in the most serious cases, the practice of administering cellular confinement and a diet of bread and water to difficult lads would cease. They chose to rely instead on other methods of discipline indicated in House and Group system. They have appealed to what was decent and sporting in the lads and have not appealed in vain.
1922 it was agreed that, save in the most serious cases, the practice of administering cellular confinement and a diet of bread and water to difficult lads would cease. They chose to rely instead on other methods of discipline indicated in House and Group system. They have appealed to what was decent and sporting in the lads and have not appealed in vain.Trust
•The purpose of Borstal Institution is to teach wayward lads to be self-contained men, to train them to be fit for freedom. It is impossible to train men for freedom in a condition of captivity.
The purpose of Borstal Institution is to teach wayward lads to be self-contained men, to train them to be fit for freedom. It is impossible to train men for freedom in a condition of captivity.•There have ensued, therefore, certain practices by which lads have been given greater freedom. They go outside by themselves to church, join technical classes in town, they attend concerts and walk in fields.
There have ensued, therefore, certain practices by which lads have been given greater freedom. They go outside by themselves to church, join technical classes in town, they attend concerts and walk in fields. •Some abuse this liberty, others learn to use it. Each year the lads who have won their blue clothes giving their word of honour to play the game in the freedom of hut or tent. A few may fail but the vast majority of the worst boys in England show they can be trusted.
Some abuse this liberty, others learn to use it. Each year the lads who have won their blue clothes giving their word of honour to play the game in the freedom of hut or tent. A few may fail but the vast majority of the worst boys in England show they can be trusted.The Fundamental Principle
•There have always been bad lads and the supply will never cease.
There have always been bad lads and the supply will never cease.•Once upon a time, the method to deal with them was the use of force. The lad was regarded as a hard lump of material, yielding only to the hammer and was beaten into shape. Sometimes there were internal injuries and the spirit of the lad grew into a wrong shape, for sometimes the use of force produces a reaction more antisocial than the original condition.
Once upon a time, the method to deal with them was the use of force. The lad was regarded as a hard lump of material, yielding only to the hammer and was beaten into shape. Sometimes there were internal injuries and the spirit of the lad grew into a wrong shape, for sometimes the use of force produces a reaction more antisocial than the original condition.•There ensued a second method...the method of pressure. The lad is a lump of putty and an effort is made to reduce him to a certain uniform shape by the gentle and continuous pressure of authority.
There ensued a second method...the method of pressure. The lad is a lump of putty and an effort is made to reduce him to a certain uniform shape by the gentle and continuous pressure of authority.•In course of time, by perpetual repetition, he forms a habit of moving smartly, keeping himself clean, obeying orders and behaving with all decorum in the presence of his betters.
In course of time, by perpetual repetition, he forms a habit of moving smartly, keeping himself clean, obeying orders and behaving with all decorum in the presence of his betters.•Most difficult way of training a lad is to treat him as a living organism. Borstal looks at a lad as many mixtures, with a life and character of his own. The task is not to break or knead him into shape, but to stimulate some power within to regulate conduct aright, to insinuate a preference for the good and the clean and to make him want to live his life well. This requires that each lad shall be dealt with as an individual and shall not be treated as being the same as any other lad.
Most difficult way of training a lad is to treat him as a living organism. Borstal looks at a lad as many mixtures, with a life and character of his own. The task is not to break or knead him into shape, but to stimulate some power within to regulate conduct aright, to insinuate a preference for the good and the clean and to make him want to live his life well. This requires that each lad shall be dealt with as an individual and shall not be treated as being the same as any other lad.•To do this then men and women training him have to know him inside and out, learning a little more about him each day. They will learn what he likes and dislikes. He will have his heroes and other type of men who are anathema to him. On some points he is unduly sensitive, on others, he is impenetrably callous. Perhaps he has ambitions for himself, seldom voiced save in moments of confidence to those he trusts.
To do this then men and women training him have to know him inside and out, learning a little more about him each day. They will learn what he likes and dislikes. He will have his heroes and other type of men who are anathema to him. On some points he is unduly sensitive, on others, he is impenetrably callous. Perhaps he has ambitions for himself, seldom voiced save in moments of confidence to those he trusts.•From such a study they will come to form a shrewd estimate of the lad's reactions from different experiences and will understand how different forms of treatment have affected him.
From such a study they will come to form a shrewd estimate of the lad's reactions from different experiences and will understand how different forms of treatment have affected him.•At this point, they begin to see how the lad should be rightly handled, which method will win loyalty and which will provoke defiance.
At this point, they begin to see how the lad should be rightly handled, which method will win loyalty and which will provoke defiance.•Some would think every member of the service is a psychologist. But this is not the case. The knowledge is obtained by sympathy, shrewd judgement and experience.
Some would think every member of the service is a psychologist. But this is not the case. The knowledge is obtained by sympathy, shrewd judgement and experience.•The long Borstal day passes. Physical exercises, chapel services, workshop hours, classes and recreation all play their part in the scheme of training, and without any one of them, it would be sadly incomplete.
The long Borstal day passes. Physical exercises, chapel services, workshop hours, classes and recreation all play their part in the scheme of training, and without any one of them, it would be sadly incomplete.•Of the 9000 lads who have passed through the Borstal training in the first 20 years, only about 35% have come into conflict with the law again.
Of the 9000 lads who have passed through the Borstal training in the first 20 years, only about 35% have come into conflict with the law again.•Though unsupported by actual figures and relying only on long experience it may be stated that three out of every four Borstal lads are reclaimed and continue to live as honest citizens. When it is remembered that the great majority of these lads had committed many offences before they came to Borstal and were on their way to becoming permanent and professional criminals, it will be seen how real a turnover has been effected.
Though unsupported by actual figures and relying only on long experience it may be stated that three out of every four Borstal lads are reclaimed and continue to live as honest citizens. When it is remembered that the great majority of these lads had committed many offences before they came to Borstal and were on their way to becoming permanent and professional criminals, it will be seen how real a turnover has been effected. •But of these successes, the world hears nothing. Such lads pass into the merciful obscurity of the average honest citizen. Those who fail however are vociferous at whatever court they appear. But we shall judge the Borstal system by its hosts of silent successes rather than by its scores of noisy failures.
But of these successes, the world hears nothing. Such lads pass into the merciful obscurity of the average honest citizen. Those who fail however are vociferous at whatever court they appear. But we shall judge the Borstal system by its hosts of silent successes rather than by its scores of noisy failures.Staff Ethos
•The Borstal system has no merit apart from the Borstal staff. It is men and not buildings who will change the hearts and ways of misguided lads. Better an institution that consists of two log huts in swamp or desert, with a staff devoted to their task, than a model block of buildings...whose staff is solely concerned with thoughts of pay and promotion.
The Borstal system has no merit apart from the Borstal staff. It is men and not buildings who will change the hearts and ways of misguided lads. Better an institution that consists of two log huts in swamp or desert, with a staff devoted to their task, than a model block of buildings...whose staff is solely concerned with thoughts of pay and promotion.•Declared policy of the service that we get hold of the best men possible, from whatever source they may be found, and then give them a scope as wide as possible.
Declared policy of the service that we get hold of the best men possible, from whatever source they may be found, and then give them a scope as wide as possible.•Regulations decrease in number, while the margin of discretion grows, more and more being left, as the System develops, to the judgement of the individual officer.
Regulations decrease in number, while the margin of discretion grows, more and more being left, as the System develops, to the judgement of the individual officer.•A service governed by exact rules tends to attract second-rate men.
A service governed by exact rules tends to attract second-rate men.•The foundations of the Borstal system are first the recruitment of the right men, then their proper training, and finally their full co-operation with one another in an atmosphere of freedom and mutual understanding.
The foundations of the Borstal system are first the recruitment of the right men, then their proper training, and finally their full co-operation with one another in an atmosphere of freedom and mutual understanding.•The good Borstal officer is the man who enjoys his work, believes in it, and finds it so suited to his higher instincts, that an offer of a little more pay for less interesting work would scarcely tempt him.
The good Borstal officer is the man who enjoys his work, believes in it, and finds it so suited to his higher instincts, that an offer of a little more pay for less interesting work would scarcely tempt him.•He receives a living wage, but his real reward is the nature of his work.
He receives a living wage, but his real reward is the nature of his work.•Measure of success is the progress of his lads.
Measure of success is the progress of his lads.•Staff specialise in virtues chiefly lacking in the lads. Firm and steady character, a just and even temper, no favourites, no jealousies, no fads, the same each day of the week, meeting each difficulty with unchanged demeanour, speaking always in the same pitch and at the same pace, bridging awkward situations with an unfailing sense of humour - this is the temperament that wins the confidence of a lad and achieves a high standard of discipline.
Staff specialise in virtues chiefly lacking in the lads. Firm and steady character, a just and even temper, no favourites, no jealousies, no fads, the same each day of the week, meeting each difficulty with unchanged demeanour, speaking always in the same pitch and at the same pace, bridging awkward situations with an unfailing sense of humour - this is the temperament that wins the confidence of a lad and achieves a high standard of discipline.•The staff will review the forces they have to change the boy from crooked into straight. But the change must proceed from within the lad.
The staff will review the forces they have to change the boy from crooked into straight. But the change must proceed from within the lad.•Personal character of the officers will have its effect, for the lad is going to admire someone who is straight and strong whom he sees every day, and will unconsciously or consciously grow to be like him.
Personal character of the officers will have its effect, for the lad is going to admire someone who is straight and strong whom he sees every day, and will unconsciously or consciously grow to be like him.•Having done their best to arouse the right forces in the lad, the staff will rally to their aid the corporate spirit of the other lads.
Having done their best to arouse the right forces in the lad, the staff will rally to their aid the corporate spirit of the other lads.•This is done through the House System. Spirit of community will have the greatest effect in most lads.
This is done through the House System. Spirit of community will have the greatest effect in most lads.•The spirit of a good house catches hold of what is best in the worst of lads, and he will do for the group of his comrades what he would never do for a master imposed upon him.
The spirit of a good house catches hold of what is best in the worst of lads, and he will do for the group of his comrades what he would never do for a master imposed upon him.•The Housemaster and his colleagues must ensure the spirit of the house is good. They must think of it as a family, always be in and out of the house, being there at meals and recreation because they do not want to leave it.
The Housemaster and his colleagues must ensure the spirit of the house is good. They must think of it as a family, always be in and out of the house, being there at meals and recreation because they do not want to leave it.•It is they who make the spirit of the House, and it is that spirit, in addition to their own efforts, which
It is they who make the spirit of the House, and it is that spirit, in addition to their own efforts, which will bring out the good in a lad and help him to save himself.
•The task facing the staff is so difficult that the only hope of its achievement lies in a full measure of comradeship between all ranks.
The task facing the staff is so difficult that the only hope of its achievement lies in a full measure of comradeship between all ranks.•The abolition of the distinction between 'superior and subordinate' was a recognition of this need.
The abolition of the distinction between 'superior and subordinate' was a recognition of this need.•Difference of rank must always exist in an organised community. Some must give orders, others must obey. But the structure of discipline is made all the stronger by a free interchange of views and a real friendship between every different rank.
Difference of rank must always exist in an organised community. Some must give orders, others must obey. But the structure of discipline is made all the stronger by a free interchange of views and a real friendship between every different rank.Staff Roles
•The Governor will govern and all will support him.
The Governor will govern and all will support him.•The Housemasters, each striving to make his House second to none, will see that rivalry stops short of partisanship. They will not exalt their house at the expense of the Institution.
The Housemasters, each striving to make his House second to none, will see that rivalry stops short of partisanship. They will not exalt their house at the expense of the Institution.•The Chief Officer, at the head of the discipline staff, is conversant with every detail of the long day, and his watchful eye sees every weak spot and every rough patch. Here he stiffens or braces a slack section, there he pours a little oil, sometimes he wins new effort by a word of praise. The Chief Officer sees more of the Officers than anyone else. To them he is an example of what a Borstal Officer should be. For ever he urges them to a higher standard of efficiency and a sterner sense of duty.
The Chief Officer, at the head of the discipline staff, is conversant with every detail of the long day, and his watchful eye sees every weak spot and every rough patch. Here he stiffens or braces a slack section, there he pours a little oil, sometimes he wins new effort by a word of praise. The Chief Officer sees more of the Officers than anyone else. To them he is an example of what a Borstal Officer should be. For ever he urges them to a higher standard of efficiency and a sterner sense of duty.•The Matrons have a sphere of their own, not merely 'seeing to things' but learning from the lads much they are too shy to say to men. Many lads, in their presence, come for the first time into the atmosphere of a clean and healthy Englishwoman.
The Matrons have a sphere of their own, not merely 'seeing to things' but learning from the lads much they are too shy to say to men. Many lads, in their presence, come for the first time into the atmosphere of a clean and healthy Englishwoman.•There is no place in the Borstal system for a man who thinks he is more important than the job in hand.
There is no place in the Borstal system for a man who thinks he is more important than the job in hand. Admission
•On arrival at the institution...the ideal impression we should seek to convey would be something of this
On arrival at the institution...the ideal impression we should seek to convey would be something of thisnature: ‘This is a good place where you will find friends and be happy. It is a serious place where you will work hard. There will be many to help you, and you will help others. There are three or four hundred others. You are not the most important one. Show that you can do your share and a bit more and you will be fit for the harder life outside’. ’
•There are two types of method of dealing with a newcomer in any organisation. One is to show no nonsense from the start and let him see what sort of a man he has to deal with straight away. This involves some sort of punishment for any slight or fancied irregularity in the first few hours, in consequence of which the lad realises the standard expected of him, and nerves himself to attain it. There is a method totally opposed to this, whereby a newcomer is recognised as such and an allowance is made. He is not expected to conform to the same standard but is led gradually to its attainment.
There are two types of method of dealing with a newcomer in any organisation. One is to show no nonsense from the start and let him see what sort of a man he has to deal with straight away. This involves some sort of punishment for any slight or fancied irregularity in the first few hours, in consequence of which the lad realises the standard expected of him, and nerves himself to attain it. There is a method totally opposed to this, whereby a newcomer is recognised as such and an allowance is made. He is not expected to conform to the same standard but is led gradually to its attainment.•The second system is more suitable for our use...it is unwise to expect much in the first few weeks and a gradual lifting of the standard required is better than a rigid insistence of perfection in the first weeks of training.
The second system is more suitable for our use...it is unwise to expect much in the first few weeks and a gradual lifting of the standard required is better than a rigid insistence of perfection in the first weeks of training.•It is, however, easy to make too liberal an allowance for the new lad. He may be 'trying it on' and a sharp jerk on the string may be required before 48 hours is elapsed.
It is, however, easy to make too liberal an allowance for the new lad. He may be 'trying it on' and a sharp jerk on the string may be required before 48 hours is elapsed.•The greatest unkindness may lie in allowing him to take things too slackly in his first weeks and form
The greatest unkindness may lie in allowing him to take things too slackly in his first weeks and form habits of indifference, craft or defiance which may lead him into more serious trouble.
•The truth, as ever, lies in the fact that no two lads are the same and no golden rule exists for the proper training of them.
The truth, as ever, lies in the fact that no two lads are the same and no golden rule exists for the proper training of them.•The Officer looking after the lad needs to work out as quickly as possible the state of mind of the lad entering Borstal.
The Officer looking after the lad needs to work out as quickly as possible the state of mind of the lad entering Borstal.•What does he expect? What does he hope and fear? What early impression is Borstal making on him? What effect is the sight of walls and shorts and work and Officers having upon him?
What does he expect? What does he hope and fear? What early impression is Borstal making on him? What effect is the sight of walls and shorts and work and Officers having upon him?•Lad must realise that after two years of board and lodgings and being top dog that he is back to the bottom on the outside etc etc
Lad must realise that after two years of board and lodgings and being top dog that he is back to the bottom on the outside etc etcClassification
•Thought should be given to House allocation - it's important to put a lad in a place where there is something or someone who will stimulate the better side of him.
Thought should be given to House allocation - it's important to put a lad in a place where there is something or someone who will stimulate the better side of him.•And need to avoid putting lads together who may form a clique which will contaminate the others.
And need to avoid putting lads together who may form a clique which will contaminate the others.•Transfer and reclassification (moving a lad from house to house in our case) are at hand to prevent this and should be employed without hesitation. The community must be protected even at the cost of disturbance to the individual.
Transfer and reclassification (moving a lad from house to house in our case) are at hand to prevent this and should be employed without hesitation. The community must be protected even at the cost of disturbance to the individual.•As a lad progresses through the grades: steps must be repeatedly taken to ensure the difficulty of ascent, so that the minimum of promotion may reward a maximum of effort.
As a lad progresses through the grades: steps must be repeatedly taken to ensure the difficulty of ascent, so that the minimum of promotion may reward a maximum of effort.•This can be done by emphasising the responsibilities rather than the privileges associated with each grade, and by a merciless reduction when these responsibilities are not fulfilled. Each grade carries a lad a little closer towards freedom. He is practising his wings, developing his power of choice between right and wrong.
This can be done by emphasising the responsibilities rather than the privileges associated with each grade, and by a merciless reduction when these responsibilities are not fulfilled. Each grade carries a lad a little closer towards freedom. He is practising his wings, developing his power of choice between right and wrong.•This is a more difficult life than that of confinement and repression. He must show that he justifies the trust and is indeed growing more fit for freedom. If he fails he must return to the lower order where it is easy to be good, and wait a little while before taking a step forward again towards liberty.
This is a more difficult life than that of confinement and repression. He must show that he justifies the trust and is indeed growing more fit for freedom. If he fails he must return to the lower order where it is easy to be good, and wait a little while before taking a step forward again towards liberty.•We must scrutinise very closely the claim of the lad for promotion. Let it not come to him. Lay rather the onus on him to show that he has stretched himself to reach it.
We must scrutinise very closely the claim of the lad for promotion. Let it not come to him. Lay rather the onus on him to show that he has stretched himself to reach it.Food and Cleanliness
•The training will provide each lad with an arduous day of fifteen hours, during all of which his mind and body will be busy. There should be no idle moments in a Borstal day.
The training will provide each lad with an arduous day of fifteen hours, during all of which his mind and body will be busy. There should be no idle moments in a Borstal day.•Such a programme exacted from a growing lad in his teens assure a hunger for food. It must be nourishing and plentiful. He must be accumulating a reserve of strength, building a frame that should continue to stretch for another five or ten years.
Such a programme exacted from a growing lad in his teens assure a hunger for food. It must be nourishing and plentiful. He must be accumulating a reserve of strength, building a frame that should continue to stretch for another five or ten years.•Hunger serves no purpose in dealing with lads, save as a punishment, and even here its influence is not always for the good.
Hunger serves no purpose in dealing with lads, save as a punishment, and even here its influence is not always for the good.•A plentiful supply of wholesome food is key but it must be as plain as it is plentiful.
A plentiful supply of wholesome food is key but it must be as plain as it is plentiful.•Habits of daintiness should be discouraged and the lad should know that hunger is the only alternative
Habits of daintiness should be discouraged and the lad should know that hunger is the only alternative the only alternative to a dish he does not fancy. The lads go to a hard life and none must grow soft while they are with us.
•The exact amount of importance that should be attached to cleanliness of room and person, the brushing of clothes and the minding of table manners, is not easily determined.
The exact amount of importance that should be attached to cleanliness of room and person, the brushing of clothes and the minding of table manners, is not easily determined.•Once outside a lad wouldn't be expected to keep a spotless room or have exacting table manners.
Once outside a lad wouldn't be expected to keep a spotless room or have exacting table manners.•But it should not be underrated either. Slackness in cleanliness can lead to slackness in mind and speech. Untidiness of dress has something to do with unpunctuality, a messy room often accompanies a messy mind.
But it should not be underrated either. Slackness in cleanliness can lead to slackness in mind and speech. Untidiness of dress has something to do with unpunctuality, a messy room often accompanies a messy mind.•Bad manners at meals on a dirty table have their effect on the level of conversation.
Bad manners at meals on a dirty table have their effect on the level of conversation.•The house that has many dirty rooms and where meals are untidy will probably be found on enquiry to be a bad house.
The house that has many dirty rooms and where meals are untidy will probably be found on enquiry to be a bad house.•Cleanliness does not rank as one of the most important virtues, but in the self-discipline, they teach and the patient attention to detail they require, they play a valuable part in the training of a careless lad.
Cleanliness does not rank as one of the most important virtues, but in the self-discipline, they teach and the patient attention to detail they require, they play a valuable part in the training of a careless lad.Employment
•Every Borstal lad on discharge must be ready and able to earn his living, or he will probably revert to crime.
Every Borstal lad on discharge must be ready and able to earn his living, or he will probably revert to crime.•The majority have not been, in the past, very successful as wage earners and a large part of the training must be devoted to transforming idlers into workers.
The majority have not been, in the past, very successful as wage earners and a large part of the training must be devoted to transforming idlers into workers.•The habit of industry is not easily acquired by the lively lad in his teens, who has for some years watched the swift current of life from his street corner.
The habit of industry is not easily acquired by the lively lad in his teens, who has for some years watched the swift current of life from his street corner.•Eight hours of labour is dreary monotony. He wants to break away after the first hour and have a smoke, yearns for something to happen so he can watch, it's better than work. He will raise his eyes to everything that passes and raise his ears to every sound.
Eight hours of labour is dreary monotony. He wants to break away after the first hour and have a smoke, yearns for something to happen so he can watch, it's better than work. He will raise his eyes to everything that passes and raise his ears to every sound.•By the end of his training, he must have become so industrious that he will be able to keep any sort of job, however laborious and monotonous.
By the end of his training, he must have become so industrious that he will be able to keep any sort of job, however laborious and monotonous.•This is a very wonderful transformation that is to be accomplished. Borstal institutions cannot claim that they teach a lad more than the rudiments of a trade, but they should be able to claim that they teach him to work.
This is a very wonderful transformation that is to be accomplished. Borstal institutions cannot claim that they teach a lad more than the rudiments of a trade, but they should be able to claim that they teach him to work.•Because this is such a difficult task, and so much hangs on its accomplishment, party officer use every means at their disposal to keep the lad at his job for an honest eight-hour day.
Because this is such a difficult task, and so much hangs on its accomplishment, party officer use every means at their disposal to keep the lad at his job for an honest eight-hour day.•They work with him, teach him team spirit, they may try humour; if all of these fail, as a last resort they must report the lad for idleness.
They work with him, teach him team spirit, they may try humour; if all of these fail, as a last resort they must report the lad for idleness.•This is a real 'crime' which cannot be overlooked, for if allowed to continue it spells disaster for the lad.
This is a real 'crime' which cannot be overlooked, for if allowed to continue it spells disaster for the lad.•The great majority of the lads are going out to unskilled labour. Many were born to be hewers of wood and drawers of water, and it is idle to spend the money of the state in seeking to transform them into incompetent tradesmen. For them, labouring work, arduous and continuous, is the best preparation for the life that ensues.
The great majority of the lads are going out to unskilled labour. Many were born to be hewers of wood and drawers of water, and it is idle to spend the money of the state in seeking to transform them into incompetent tradesmen. For them, labouring work, arduous and continuous, is the best preparation for the life that ensues. •We cannot disguise the fact that the great majority of men in the twentieth century have to labour all their lives on tasks so monotonous that there can be no interest in them. We cannot, therefore, allow a lad to expect that all work he is called upon to do will be interesting and we must not rely upon this as a stimulus to industry.
We cannot disguise the fact that the great majority of men in the twentieth century have to labour all their lives on tasks so monotonous that there can be no interest in them. We cannot, therefore, allow a lad to expect that all work he is called upon to do will be interesting and we must not rely upon this as a stimulus to industry.•When a lad wants to change his party simply for the honest reason he is 'fed up' with the job, this is a sign that he has still to learn the first lesson of industry.
When a lad wants to change his party simply for the honest reason he is 'fed up' with the job, this is a sign that he has still to learn the first lesson of industry.•Those who show aptitude receive technical training, practical and theoretical, in wood and metal workshops.
Those who show aptitude receive technical training, practical and theoretical, in wood and metal workshops.•It is of vital importance that all lads should know the direct relation work bears to the possession of the necessaries of life. At present, he receives the same board and lodging, simple but sufficient, whatever his job in the Borstal, and however hard he may work. But outside the walls, the amount he can spend depends on the amount he can earn.
It is of vital importance that all lads should know the direct relation work bears to the possession of the necessaries of life. At present, he receives the same board and lodging, simple but sufficient, whatever his job in the Borstal, and however hard he may work. But outside the walls, the amount he can spend depends on the amount he can earn.•It is the duty of every Borstal Officer to preach the gospel of work, not because it is easy or healthy or interesting, but because it is the condition of honest life.
It is the duty of every Borstal Officer to preach the gospel of work, not because it is easy or healthy or interesting, but because it is the condition of honest life.Health
•There was a time when considerations of health extended only to the care of the body.
There was a time when considerations of health extended only to the care of the body.•The Medical Staff is now concerned at least as much with observation and treatment of the mind as the body.
The Medical Staff is now concerned at least as much with observation and treatment of the mind as the body.•There are many causes of crime but rarely does a single cause account for any one criminal.
There are many causes of crime but rarely does a single cause account for any one criminal.•Every lad, after sentence is examined psychologically at the Collecting Centre.
Every lad, after sentence is examined psychologically at the Collecting Centre.•His intelligence is tested and an attempt is made, by those best qualified to do so, to estimate the deeper causes which have brought him into our care.
His intelligence is tested and an attempt is made, by those best qualified to do so, to estimate the deeper causes which have brought him into our care.•Throughout the period of training, a lad is changing every week and it is part of the Officer's duty to report to a housemaster what changes he observes in a lad.
Throughout the period of training, a lad is changing every week and it is part of the Officer's duty to report to a housemaster what changes he observes in a lad.•Inter-relation of mind and body are more clearly established, and the importance of physical wellbeing as an agent of mental health cannot be underestimated.
Inter-relation of mind and body are more clearly established, and the importance of physical wellbeing as an agent of mental health cannot be underestimated.•It is certain that a fit lad is not only happier and easier to handle, but he is also more likely to respond to training and become an honest man.
It is certain that a fit lad is not only happier and easier to handle, but he is also more likely to respond to training and become an honest man.•Officers, in caring for their lads' health, will not fall into the category of making them soft. The best way to make a lad healthy is to make him hard: he should not be afraid of blisters and cold winds and the hacking of shins: the fewer clothes he wears for work or exercise the harder he will work, the hardier he will become.
Officers, in caring for their lads' health, will not fall into the category of making them soft. The best way to make a lad healthy is to make him hard: he should not be afraid of blisters and cold winds and the hacking of shins: the fewer clothes he wears for work or exercise the harder he will work, the hardier he will become.•An experienced officer can often tell when a lad is really ill. But the lad who is always nursing some minor ailment is a fit object for the shafts of humour.
An experienced officer can often tell when a lad is really ill. But the lad who is always nursing some minor ailment is a fit object for the shafts of humour.•Cleanliness is a necessity. Dust and dirt bring flies, and flies bring disease. No excuse can be accepted. The laws of health are imperative.
Cleanliness is a necessity. Dust and dirt bring flies, and flies bring disease. No excuse can be accepted. The laws of health are imperative. Religious Instruction
•Lads are remarkably vague in their knowledge when they first come and in matters affecting their faith are sometimes ignorant of the first beginnings.
Lads are remarkably vague in their knowledge when they first come and in matters affecting their faith are sometimes ignorant of the first beginnings.•Instruction is needed here, regular and systematic, and this is a matter for the Chaplains of the different faiths.
Instruction is needed here, regular and systematic, and this is a matter for the Chaplains of the different faiths.•All teaching must relate the great truths to the little details of life, so that faith becomes pivotal, the unconscious basis of every act.
All teaching must relate the great truths to the little details of life, so that faith becomes pivotal, the unconscious basis of every act.•It should be awarded first place of all character training.
It should be awarded first place of all character training.•The Chaplains and all the visiting Priests, Ministers and Rabbis will be colleagues not merely welcome, but indispensable.
The Chaplains and all the visiting Priests, Ministers and Rabbis will be colleagues not merely welcome, but indispensable.•Officers of every rank should also be encouraged to take an active part in the services.
Officers of every rank should also be encouraged to take an active part in the services.•Religion is so deep and personal a thing that no rules can compass it, and no order of service can entirely meet the need of the individual.
Religion is so deep and personal a thing that no rules can compass it, and no order of service can entirely meet the need of the individual.•At the beginning and end of each day, there is a minutes silence in each Institution. We cannot know for certain what passes then in two thousand hearts, and we must be slow to insist that only this or some other way of teaching can help the lad to know His maker and to serve His purpose.
At the beginning and end of each day, there is a minutes silence in each Institution. We cannot know for certain what passes then in two thousand hearts, and we must be slow to insist that only this or some other way of teaching can help the lad to know His maker and to serve His purpose.Education
•It has been stated that the Borstal System has to find the capacity for good in the lad and extend it to its full. For some, this may be done in the gymnasium, for others in the workshop, but the hours devoted to Education provide, perhaps, the best chance of all.
It has been stated that the Borstal System has to find the capacity for good in the lad and extend it to its full. For some, this may be done in the gymnasium, for others in the workshop, but the hours devoted to Education provide, perhaps, the best chance of all.•These evening classes are not organised merely for the purpose of imparting information or making the lads better qualified to earn a living. It is sometimes thought that it would be better to spend the few hours available in teaching a lad to perfect his reading, writing and arithmetic. This is a rather superficial judgement.
These evening classes are not organised merely for the purpose of imparting information or making the lads better qualified to earn a living. It is sometimes thought that it would be better to spend the few hours available in teaching a lad to perfect his reading, writing and arithmetic. This is a rather superficial judgement.•The Borstal Lad is not, as a rule, going to be more than an unskilled labourer who can sign his name and read his newspaper but will rarely be called on to essay any literacy task more advanced.
The Borstal Lad is not, as a rule, going to be more than an unskilled labourer who can sign his name and read his newspaper but will rarely be called on to essay any literacy task more advanced.•To plunge hobbledehoys of 18 and 20 into desks to learn multiplication tables will be trying, as a rule, to make use of certain avenues of education which many other teachers have previously found in their case to be inappropriate.
To plunge hobbledehoys of 18 and 20 into desks to learn multiplication tables will be trying, as a rule, to make use of certain avenues of education which many other teachers have previously found in their case to be inappropriate.•Many of our lads are 'poor scholars' who won't learn with a book and pen and no amount of teaching in the orthodox elementary subjects will change that.
Many of our lads are 'poor scholars' who won't learn with a book and pen and no amount of teaching in the orthodox elementary subjects will change that.•Other avenues of approach must be found. The whole purpose of continued education at Borstal is not to impart information or make dullards into scholars, but to get rusty and ill-controlled brains to work, to enlarge the sphere of interest, and to discover the point of contact with each lad.
Other avenues of approach must be found. The whole purpose of continued education at Borstal is not to impart information or make dullards into scholars, but to get rusty and ill-controlled brains to work, to enlarge the sphere of interest, and to discover the point of contact with each lad.•It does not matter what subjects may be chosen, so long as they catch the mental eye of the lad and make him think.
It does not matter what subjects may be chosen, so long as they catch the mental eye of the lad and make him think.•To discover and develop a love for music or letters, an interest in flowers and animals or stamps,
To discover and develop a love for music or letters, an interest in flowers and animals or stamps, Which may foster the growth of something good, which will occupy the stage of interest in a lad's life and oust the idle and unclean things that formerly held possession.
•For some whose intelligence is normal but whose school days have been interrupted, a few months of elementary re-education may be worthwhile.
For some whose intelligence is normal but whose school days have been interrupted, a few months of elementary re-education may be worthwhile.•There will be a few with intelligence beyond the average who can pursue literary subjects to a comparatively high standard.
There will be a few with intelligence beyond the average who can pursue literary subjects to a comparatively high standard.•Others will gain more form handiwork.
Others will gain more form handiwork.•The syllabus must be varied, and everyone who can teach a subject that will arouse the interest of the lads and enlarge their mental capacity must be given a class.
The syllabus must be varied, and everyone who can teach a subject that will arouse the interest of the lads and enlarge their mental capacity must be given a class.•But a teacher is not there to amuse the class. He must not stand in front of them and deliver an interesting lecture for half an hour, during which he is working hard and the class is contributing nothing save passive attention. The class must work at least as hard as the teacher. By question and answer, they must contribute to the discovery of the truth. It must exact as much effort from their minds as half an hour in the gymnasium does from their bodies.
But a teacher is not there to amuse the class. He must not stand in front of them and deliver an interesting lecture for half an hour, during which he is working hard and the class is contributing nothing save passive attention. The class must work at least as hard as the teacher. By question and answer, they must contribute to the discovery of the truth. It must exact as much effort from their minds as half an hour in the gymnasium does from their bodies.•Classes are not the only form of collective study. In some subjects, such as music and nature study, it may be better to form societies rather than classes. In this way, team spirit comes uppermost and the learning becomes a pursuit, in which the initiative is with the learner rather than the leader.
Classes are not the only form of collective study. In some subjects, such as music and nature study, it may be better to form societies rather than classes. In this way, team spirit comes uppermost and the learning becomes a pursuit, in which the initiative is with the learner rather than the leader.•There is also the method of lecture, with or without illustrations. There is some value in lecture but delivered by someone from the outside to the institution en masse has distinct limitations. A lecture represents a single thrust, deep or superficial into a whole realm of knowledge and does not give a lad any continuous grip on the subject.
There is also the method of lecture, with or without illustrations. There is some value in lecture but delivered by someone from the outside to the institution en masse has distinct limitations. A lecture represents a single thrust, deep or superficial into a whole realm of knowledge and does not give a lad any continuous grip on the subject.•It is far less valuable in the training than class work which demands action and output on the part of the learner.
It is far less valuable in the training than class work which demands action and output on the part of the learner.•Concerts and plays have their place in any scheme of education. They cultivate a taste in amusement, and an appreciation of the finer arts.
Concerts and plays have their place in any scheme of education. They cultivate a taste in amusement, and an appreciation of the finer arts.•The proper use of a well-chosen library is an integral part of any educational programme. Essential that a lad should have enough to read and that when he finishes a book he need not wait until tomorrow to exchange it.
The proper use of a well-chosen library is an integral part of any educational programme. Essential that a lad should have enough to read and that when he finishes a book he need not wait until tomorrow to exchange it.•A lad whose attention has never been captured by anything better than the romances of Sexton Blake should be introduced to Sherlock Holmes. It is but a step from Conan Doyle to Seton Merriman and in a little while he will bridge another little gulf and reach Stevenson. Here we can leave him securely entrenched in the field of good English literature. He will not easily return to the drivel that once enslaved him.
A lad whose attention has never been captured by anything better than the romances of Sexton Blake should be introduced to Sherlock Holmes. It is but a step from Conan Doyle to Seton Merriman and in a little while he will bridge another little gulf and reach Stevenson. Here we can leave him securely entrenched in the field of good English literature. He will not easily return to the drivel that once enslaved him.Sport
•A fit and balanced body supple and not easily tired, acting quickly and surely at the bidding of the brain, is a valuable agent of moral recovery.
A fit and balanced body supple and not easily tired, acting quickly and surely at the bidding of the brain, is a valuable agent of moral recovery.•Every day there must be physical exercises, framed not for the purpose of making strong men or smart soldiers, but rather for the correlation of mind and body.
Every day there must be physical exercises, framed not for the purpose of making strong men or smart soldiers, but rather for the correlation of mind and body. •A set of exercises which improves the muscle but does not make the lad think, deserves no place in the syllabus.
A set of exercises which improves the muscle but does not make the lad think, deserves no place in the syllabus.•The hour in the gymnasium should similarly be a lesson in self-control, by bringing the impulsive body under the domination of the mind.
The hour in the gymnasium should similarly be a lesson in self-control, by bringing the impulsive body under the domination of the mind.•Out in the playing field lies an extended opportunity for that self-control which is fundamental to good sportsmanship.
Out in the playing field lies an extended opportunity for that self-control which is fundamental to good sportsmanship.•It will take time to become a true sportsman - playing for his side and not for popularity, accepting defeat cheerfully and success with generosity.
It will take time to become a true sportsman - playing for his side and not for popularity, accepting defeat cheerfully and success with generosity.•Every game must have a referee and this is not practicable unless there are many who will give their time when the week's work is done.
Every game must have a referee and this is not practicable unless there are many who will give their time when the week's work is done.•The referee sees all and favours none. Rebuking lack of sportsmanship as sternly as any actual breach of the rules.
The referee sees all and favours none. Rebuking lack of sportsmanship as sternly as any actual breach of the rules.•House games should be arranged so every lad gets an equal chance.
House games should be arranged so every lad gets an equal chance.•If matches are arranged for an Institution team, they should only be an occasional occurrence and should not rob the House Games of their importance so the best grounds and games are not reserved for the few experts.
If matches are arranged for an Institution team, they should only be an occasional occurrence and should not rob the House Games of their importance so the best grounds and games are not reserved for the few experts.•Winning of individual prizes should be discouraged, the emphasis thrown everywhere on the achievement of the group.
Winning of individual prizes should be discouraged, the emphasis thrown everywhere on the achievement of the group.Camp
•Classes and sports are features of the training, introduced not only for the pleasure they give but for what they exact from the lads.
Classes and sports are features of the training, introduced not only for the pleasure they give but for what they exact from the lads.•Similarly, a week in camp, glorious holiday as it is, yet takes its place in the general scheme. It should be a stern test of the officers, house and lads alike.
Similarly, a week in camp, glorious holiday as it is, yet takes its place in the general scheme. It should be a stern test of the officers, house and lads alike.•The freedom of life in common, where deception is so much more difficult, and masks fall to the ground with the rubbing of shoulders, establishes a relationship between officer and lad which, on return to the Institution, so far from endangering the discipline, does much to strengthen it. The mutual knowledge gained is invaluable.
The freedom of life in common, where deception is so much more difficult, and masks fall to the ground with the rubbing of shoulders, establishes a relationship between officer and lad which, on return to the Institution, so far from endangering the discipline, does much to strengthen it. The mutual knowledge gained is invaluable.•Though camp is so free, there must never be any doubt that in the background control is just as real as within the walls. An order is obeyed as cheerfully and swiftly: a jerk on the string and all are at attention.
Though camp is so free, there must never be any doubt that in the background control is just as real as within the walls. An order is obeyed as cheerfully and swiftly: a jerk on the string and all are at attention.•Housemasters in charge of camp, while avoiding the dangers of over-organisation, should see that every minute of the week is well used.
Housemasters in charge of camp, while avoiding the dangers of over-organisation, should see that every minute of the week is well used.•Let there be work each morning, real work faithfully done, and in the afternoon and evenings games and expeditions.
Let there be work each morning, real work faithfully done, and in the afternoon and evenings games and expeditions.•As much freedom will be given to the lads as is reasonable, for constant roll-taking in camp is irritating, and defeats the object of the gesture of confidence.
As much freedom will be given to the lads as is reasonable, for constant roll-taking in camp is irritating, and defeats the object of the gesture of confidence.•At the same time, a too-greatly relaxed supervision may make for idleness and this means boredom and mischief, bringing grave discredit on a fine adventure. The right course is as ever, mid-way between the
At the same time, a too-greatly relaxed supervision may make for idleness and this means boredom and mischief, bringing grave discredit on a fine adventure. The right course is as ever, mid-way between the Visits, Letters and Petitions
•The degree of contact that a lad should be allowed with the outside world is one of the most difficult matters on which to lay down fixed rules.
The degree of contact that a lad should be allowed with the outside world is one of the most difficult matters on which to lay down fixed rules.•Some lads have hardly any friends or relatives so these slender links should be maintained as much as possible during training.
Some lads have hardly any friends or relatives so these slender links should be maintained as much as possible during training.•For others, the influence can be adverse. Here it may be necessary to scrutinise correspondence carefully.
For others, the influence can be adverse. Here it may be necessary to scrutinise correspondence carefully.•Sometimes visitors must be closely watched and the lad searched afterwards, or the visit may do more harm than good.
Sometimes visitors must be closely watched and the lad searched afterwards, or the visit may do more harm than good.•General rule, however, will be to encourage the maintenance of contact, by letters and visits, by invitation to annual sports.
General rule, however, will be to encourage the maintenance of contact, by letters and visits, by invitation to annual sports.•All parents...will serve a welcome at the institution. The Governor or housemaster will see them.
All parents...will serve a welcome at the institution. The Governor or housemaster will see them. Discipline
•There can be few words so frequently used but in so many different senses as the word 'discipline'. There is a form of discipline in the army, another in the navy, a third in school a fourth in the factory and so on. Each section of the community has its own form of discipline and it is frequently under a dangerous illusion that this is discipline, and that any other form is an inferior imitation. In our Borstal institutions, we must have our own brand of discipline appropriate to our needs.
There can be few words so frequently used but in so many different senses as the word 'discipline'. There is a form of discipline in the army, another in the navy, a third in school a fourth in the factory and so on. Each section of the community has its own form of discipline and it is frequently under a dangerous illusion that this is discipline, and that any other form is an inferior imitation. In our Borstal institutions, we must have our own brand of discipline appropriate to our needs.•In its simplest form, discipline is a mere obedience to orders. That is where it starts, and unless the basis is secure, every order given by those in authority is obeyed...without question, no super structure can be built.
In its simplest form, discipline is a mere obedience to orders. That is where it starts, and unless the basis is secure, every order given by those in authority is obeyed...without question, no super structure can be built.•But the higher manifestations of discipline advance far from this simple beginning. The most highly disciplined form of society is where every man is free and his every act, free and unbidden, contributes to the good of the community.
But the higher manifestations of discipline advance far from this simple beginning. The most highly disciplined form of society is where every man is free and his every act, free and unbidden, contributes to the good of the community.•At one time it was possible to see a number of Officers in a House armed with staves, each standing at his post, ensuring silence and order among the lads. This is a superficial appearance of discipline.
At one time it was possible to see a number of Officers in a House armed with staves, each standing at his post, ensuring silence and order among the lads. This is a superficial appearance of discipline.•Today, a single, unarmed officer is on duty in that house. Order is kept not by the mere weight of " authority, but by the use of control, a far more difficult power to acquire than mere authority. If the Institution is to train the lads for freedom, it cannot train them in an atmosphere of captivity and repression.
Today, a single, unarmed officer is on duty in that house. Order is kept not by the mere weight of " authority, but by the use of control, a far more difficult power to acquire than mere authority. If the Institution is to train the lads for freedom, it cannot train them in an atmosphere of captivity and repression.•We must have a form of discipline which exacts something from the lads. Fostering the will to do well, putting it up to him to choose right.
We must have a form of discipline which exacts something from the lads. Fostering the will to do well, putting it up to him to choose right.•Hence the necessity for encouraging among the lads some form of leadership, and allowing a considerable measure of freedom to those who have shown a capacity to be worthy of it.
Hence the necessity for encouraging among the lads some form of leadership, and allowing a considerable measure of freedom to those who have shown a capacity to be worthy of it.•The fact that forty lads can go to camp and return intact with a good record, reflects a far higher standard of discipline than the sight of not so long ago of 300 lads, faultless in uniform, moving with the precision of trained soldiers on a parade ground with a host of Officers around them.
The fact that forty lads can go to camp and return intact with a good record, reflects a far higher standard of discipline than the sight of not so long ago of 300 lads, faultless in uniform, moving with the precision of trained soldiers on a parade ground with a host of Officers around them. •The senior Officer on duty in the House is in control. Let there never be any doubt about that. He knows the lads and the limits that must be set to freedom. At any moment he makes a sign or says a word and it is obeyed. This control...is the necessary and most remarkable possession of all Borstal Officers.
The senior Officer on duty in the House is in control. Let there never be any doubt about that. He knows the lads and the limits that must be set to freedom. At any moment he makes a sign or says a word and it is obeyed. This control...is the necessary and most remarkable possession of all Borstal Officers.•Borstal Officer should think of himself as running a boys club, where the lads are not much different from any others. If he is constantly thinking of them as young criminals they will so think of themselves.
Borstal Officer should think of himself as running a boys club, where the lads are not much different from any others. If he is constantly thinking of them as young criminals they will so think of themselves.•There is no telepathy more sure and rapid than the perception of attitude.
There is no telepathy more sure and rapid than the perception of attitude.•The best Officer is often discouraged because he proceeds on the system, trusts the lad, only to find the lad 'lets him down'. This is unfortunate but bound to happen. But it's better than trusting the lad too little.
The best Officer is often discouraged because he proceeds on the system, trusts the lad, only to find the lad 'lets him down'. This is unfortunate but bound to happen. But it's better than trusting the lad too little.•Punishment is regulated not by an exact tariff according to the offence, but by an intelligent knowledge of each offender and a perception of the condition that is revealed by this particular act. Two lads might commit the same offence but be treated differently. This should be explained to the lads for where there is understanding, law and justice are more respected.
Punishment is regulated not by an exact tariff according to the offence, but by an intelligent knowledge of each offender and a perception of the condition that is revealed by this particular act. Two lads might commit the same offence but be treated differently. This should be explained to the lads for where there is understanding, law and justice are more respected.•The Governor will deal with offences very often in ways other than actual punishment. He may transfer from one House to another. He may arrange for extra time in the gymnasium or a variation of programme in the evenings or at the weekends. He may put a lad on probation for a month, bidding he report himself once a week.
The Governor will deal with offences very often in ways other than actual punishment. He may transfer from one House to another. He may arrange for extra time in the gymnasium or a variation of programme in the evenings or at the weekends. He may put a lad on probation for a month, bidding he report himself once a week.•The institution of small courts among the lads themselves is still so experimental, that it cannot yet be reduced to rule. It is good that the lads should learn the difference between right and wrong from the bench as well as the dock. The Governor will ensure they are not learning this at the risk of injustice to the others. Such minor tribunals can become an agency for bullying and terrorism unless their powers are clearly defined and this should be closely watched by the Governor and Staff.
The institution of small courts among the lads themselves is still so experimental, that it cannot yet be reduced to rule. It is good that the lads should learn the difference between right and wrong from the bench as well as the dock. The Governor will ensure they are not learning this at the risk of injustice to the others. Such minor tribunals can become an agency for bullying and terrorism unless their powers are clearly defined and this should be closely watched by the Governor and Staff.•Borstal Officer has a very difficult decision when faced with whether or not to report a lad. He too will distinguish between his lads and give some more rope than others. Some of the feebler specimens he will father, with others he will stand no nonsense, others again he will call aside and speak to.
Borstal Officer has a very difficult decision when faced with whether or not to report a lad. He too will distinguish between his lads and give some more rope than others. Some of the feebler specimens he will father, with others he will stand no nonsense, others again he will call aside and speak to.Thanks to Gerry Hendry for digging out this historical gem from the archives...
Issue No. 78 SPRING 2018
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE BORSTAL SYSTEM
Gerry Hendry
