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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, 1969, there were seven persons for whom the Chief
Welfare Officer was appointed as Receiver. During the year four died
and one new order was taken,, leaving a total of four Receivership
cases with estimated value of £40,732. 9s. 3d., and for whom a total
sum of £6,182. 17s. l0d., was disbursed during the year. Application
for Receivership Orders have been made to the Court of Protection in
three further instances.
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, 1951s 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 the case of two women.
Both were admitted to King's Mead where one later died.
TRAINING OF SOCIAL WORK STAFF
During the course of the year two trainee social welfare officers
were successful in obtaining places on a full-time two year training
course. One of these was seconded to the course by the department and
will return after training. One of the social welfare officers was
similarly successful and has likewise been seconded to the course on
the understanding that she will return to the department when she has
qualified. Two social welfare officers seconded to full-time training
two years ago successfully completed their course and have been
awarded the certificate in social work. They are now back at work in
the department. At the end of the year a total of four members of the
field work staff were undergoing full-time training.
No new trainee social welfare officers were recruited during the
year. Arrangements were made for those already in the department
to broaden their experience by being given an opportunity of spending
short periods in the social work department of local hospitals and in
other agencies. A number of the field work staff attended courses and
seminars arranged by the London Boroughs Training Committee and other
bodies.
Students from Other Organisations
Students from professional social work courses were again accepted
in the department and were supervised by professionally qualified staff.
Other students spent periods in the department including one from a