Up to the present'll States have
no provisions whatever for care of
crippled children. In 33 States funds
[have been voted, but in many in
| stances appropriations are so small
that only a small per cent of crip
ples can be aided.
The better State laws include
registration of all crippled children
and a record of their treatment;
provision of diagnostic clinics; ap
proval of hospitals which can ac
cept crippled children; and follow
up rehabilitation work to the end
that the patient may grow into an
independent and self - supporting
tdult.
S5.UUU.U0U Insufficient
Through State and private funds
about $5,000,000 is spent annually
In the nation for cripped children,
but surveys show the sum insuffi
cient, particuarly In rural areas.
Much of the work has been done
after crippling illnesses have pro
gressed to an advanced stage, and
little of it was devoted to pre
ventive programs.
The exact number of crippled
children in the country is not even
known although it was estimated
while the act was being written
that there are between 300,000 and
500.000.
States which apply for the new
Federal funds for crippled children
will be asked to meet the follow
ing conditions: Match the Federal
funds; name a State agency respon
sible for their distribution and
present a plan of work which must
be approved by the children’s bu
reau; provide for co-operation with
State health, welfare and rehabili
tation groups, and make periodic
reports on use of the money to the;
Secretary of l,abor.
Can Ask Further Funds
After the State has been awarded
the initial $20,000 a year it can ap
ply for further funds after an out
line of its needs has been made.
