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Thus, the importance of supervising foster children in
these "temporary homes" has increased, to prevent cases of neglect.
One cannot expect foster mothers to develop a strong affection for
children who they know will be taken from them in a few weeks.
Supervision to be efficient under these conditions needs "local
touch and knowledge".
Care of Illegitimate Children.
In co-operation with the Ministry of Health, the London
County Council and all other London boroughs, the Council have
decided
(a) to institute a scheme of guaranteed payments
to foster mothers, and
(b) to provide greater financial assistance
to voluntary bodies.
The scheme for guaranteed payments to foster mothers
came into operation on 1st January, 1945, and provided for the
payment to approved foster mothers of 17s.6d. per week for a
child under one year of age and 15s.0d. per week for a child over
one year and under five years. The payment per foster child was
increased during the year to 21s.0d. A scale was approved by the
Council under which the weekly contribution by the mother from
her own resources would be assessed.
In no case during 1946 were the Council asked to make
a payment.
In 1945, five London moral welfare organisations submitted
a scheme for improving their services involving an additional
expenditure, for the first year, of £5,615. It was agreed by
London boroughs that the apportionment of this amount should be
on the basis of rateable value, and Kensington's contribution
amounted to £305 per annum.
During 1946, the second year of operation, Kensington's
contribution remained the same.
Care of Premature Infants.
The Council have adopted proposals for the care of
premature infants, including the loan of special equipment, the
supply of breast milk, the service of a paediatrician, etc.
During the year under review, the births in the borowh
of 53 premature infant? were notified. Of these, 51 were born at
home and two in nursing homes. Of those born at home, 48 survived
at the end of one month, one infant died within 24 hours, and two
others died before reaching the age of one month. The two
children born in nursing homes survived at the end of one month.
(Note. These figures do not include Kensington premature
infants born outside the borough, as the Ministry of Health have
requested that these births should be reported on by the local
authorities in whose area the confinement actually occurred.)
Arrangements have been made for notifications of birth
to give the weight of the child when born.