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The duties of the Receiver are defined by the terms of the Court's
order and vary in each case. They are usually connected with the day
to day administration of the patients' income and welfare, making
lodgment into Court of capital moneys, the purchase of investment bonds,
paying outstanding debts and arranging for the safe custody of
securities. The Receiver has to account annually to the Court of
Protection for his action on behalf of the patients. He is also
required to take a personal interest in the welfare of patients, to
advise them, to assist them where possible to be restored to the management
of their own affairs, and to submit to the Chief Clerk of the
Court any proposals within the patients' means which are likely to
ameliorate their condition or add to their comfort.
At 1st January, 1968, there were seven persons for whom the Chief
Welfare Officer was appointed as Receiver. During the year three
died and three new orders were taken, leaving a total of seven Receivership
cases with a gross estimated value of £34,972.12. 2., and for whom
a total stun of £6,897.12. 7. was disbursed during the year. Application
for Receivership Orders have been made to the Court of Protection in
three further instances, and two cases have been referred to the
Official Solicitor.
Removal to Suitable Premises of Persons in Need of Care and Attention
Under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, and the
National Assistance (Amendment) Act, 1951, powers are given to the
local authority for the compulsory removal of persons suffering from
grave chronic disease, or who are aged, infirm or physically handicapped
and who are living in insanitary conditions and unable to devote
to themselves, and are not receiving from other persons, proper care
and attention.
Although several cases were visited and investigated during the
year, it was only necessary to take action in three cases; two women
were removed to hospital, one being discharged home after two months,
the other was later transferred to Tooting Bec Hospital where she
remains. One lady over 90 years of age was admitted to King's Mead
and subsequently died.
Training of Social Work Staff
During the course of the year five new trainee social workers
joined the department and the three who had been recruited in 1966
left for a variety of reasons. The in-service training curriculum
has included visits of observation to other departments and agencies,
and progressively structured discussions on the principles and
practice of Social Work with qualified staff. In September two
social welfare officers were seconded to full-time two year courses,
which led to the nationally recognised Certificate in Social Work.
At the end of the year, four social welfare officers were absent from
the department on full-time courses.
Many of the social welfare officers attended courses and seminars
arranged by the London Boroughs' Training Committee and other bodies.
Monthly discussion groups were held within the department on different
aspects of social work. Arrangements were made for a panel of
speakers from three voluntary casework agencies in the Borough to speak
to the social workers on their work and to discuss liaison between
statutory and voluntary agencies. Members of other sections of the
department as well as social welfare officers were in the audience.
Students from other organisations
For the first time, students from professional social work
courses were accepted in the department and three qualified members of
staff acted as supervisors. These students came from two-year