London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Islington 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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42
In connection with the special requirement of illegitimate children, the Special
Visitors had an open session at the Town Hall on one evening each week so that
mothers at work could attend by appointment, or otherwise. This was found to be a
most useful arrangement. 164 interviews were given.
Illegitimate children who present special problems are carefully followed up so
long as they are in need of particular attention.
The table of foster-mothers and foster-children being cared for is as follows:—
| at 5.7.48 | at 31.12.48 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of persons on register prepared to. receive children | 28 | 29 |
| Number of foster-children being cared for | 36 | 43 |
Fifty-one women acted as foster-mothers during the year, some taking a child for
a short period only and not wishing to be approved to continue as foster-mothers.
In these short term cases arrangements were generally made between a mother and
friend, and there appears still to be a widespread lack of knowledge of the need to
notify the Local Authority when a foster-child is about to be received, or is already
being cared for.
During the period under review, no foster-mother was removed from the Register,
but 2 moved from the district. 20 new ones were approved, although some were only
for short periods.
The special scheme for assisting with the payment of fees to foster mothers in
respect of illegitimate children was used in respect of one child for approximately
six months.
There were no deaths amongst foster children and no legal proceedings were
instituted.
The Child Protection Visitors continued to co-operate with various voluntary
organisations.
Illegitimate Children.
During 1948 there were 331 registered illegitimate births for this area. The
Special Health Visitors dealt with 455 cases, 163 of which were new during the
period. The mothers were helped in making arrangements for the confinement,
and other personal problems were dealt with.
In many cases the mother and child returned to relatives, and in a large number
the mother and father co-habited. In a few other cases the putative father
contributed towards the maintenance of the child.
Arrangements were made for the adoption of 10 children, 49 were admitted to
residential nurseries (Institutions), and 9 were placed with foster-parents.
This work is carried on in co-operation with moral welfare workers, hospital
almoners, welfare centres, and other social agencies.