The Warminster Miscellany, 1st October 1862, reported:
REFORMATORY SCHOOLS.
Mr Sydney Turner, the inspector appointed to visit the reformatory schools of Great Britain, has presented his annual report. He has to state that the number of young offenders in the 62 certified reformatories increased in the course of the year 1861 from 3803 to 4337, including 186 placed out on license and not yet finally discharged. Of the results of reformatories in the diminution and prevention of crime, he has to report that, after making allowance for unknown and doubtful cases, it may be taken as well ascertained that the treatment is successful in reforming at least 70 per cent.; and, considering that the system has had to deal at first with the more hardened offenders, the proportion may be expected to increase. Of the whole 1031 discharges in the year, only 18 boys or girls were sent away as hopelessly incorrigible; 90 went to sea, 22 enlisted, 110 emigrated, 660 went to service or employment or to the care of friends, 27 died, 15 were discharged on the ground of health, 89 absconded and were not recovered. The expenditure was £98,638; the Treasury payments for maintenance amounted to £66,374; the parents’ payments were only £2439; contributions from the rates produced £4750; contributions from voluntary inmates, £975; subscriptions and legacies, £14,136.