nciliations,[38] contributes this remarkable account of
the restoration of a family through slow and careful character
rebuilding:

George Latham had shamefully neglected his wife and children for
several years. He drank to excess, gambled considerably, and
associated with women of loose character. He came from good stock,
however, and his early training had been excellent. The differences
between man and wife seemed impossible to adjust. After the man's
release on probation, the co-operation of relatives was secured and
through the aid of his new found employer efforts were made toward a
reconciliation. The man was gradually led away from his old harmful
pursuits and tendencies, these being replaced by wholesome
activities. He was induced to join a fraternal organization, to take
out insurance for his wife and child, was encouraged to attend
church regularly, and to open a bank account. When his sincerity was
appreciated by the wife, she agreed to resume housekeeping. Under
the direction of the probation officer, new furniture was purchased
and the home re-established. This man today holds a responsible
position under the employer who aided in his rehabilitation, and
occupies a respected place in the community.

Very many processes are indicated in such a story. To bring about the
conviction of wrong-doing, to awaken desire and supply an incentive, to
keep the hope of attainment alive, to encourage weakened nerves in a new
and persistent effort, and all the while to build and strengthen and
develop faculties and powers that had been dormant and well-nigh
destroyed, is a task that demands a high order of skill and
resourcefulness.

The story just told emphasizes the work which was done with the husband.
Equally careful work had undoubtedly to be done with the wife to carry
her along with the plan. The period of "stay-away probation" for the man
is a difficult time for the woman. Neighbors and friends know that he is
taking steps in the direction of reformation, and often hold the
attitude that it is her duty to let bygones be bygones and receive him
again. The promptings of her own heart are often in the same direction;
and affection not outlived combines with custom, religious precept, and
economic pressure to make it almost impossible to hold to her decision.
The social worker can sometimes slip some of the burden of the decision
off the woman's sh