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Of the 96 discharges. 22 were rehoused by the Council, 27 by the
Greater London Council and Housing Associations, 38 were assisted to
find accommodation and 9 found their own accommodation.
The casework approach of the family caseworkers is based principally
on three main conditions:-
(a) Acceptance by the families of their financial responsibility,
regular payment of charges,, proper budgeting and the payment
of any outstanding debts including rent arrears.
(b) Advising the parents how to obtain good standards of child
care, i.e., correct feeding, clothing and reasonable
discipline; appreciation of the value of good school
attendance and a constant care of the health and well-being
of the family.
(c) Acceptance by the husband of the necessity of retaining
full employment. Encouragement and assistance is given when
necessary
The response shown by families was encouraging and resulted in rehousing
within a period of twelve months in most cases.
Mothers and Babies
Provision for unmarried mothers and their children is made under
Section 21(l)(b) of the National Assistance Act, 1948. The majority are
"first-baby" cases. Admission to one of the homes run by voluntary
societies is arranged for a suitable period before and after confinement.
The Council pay an agreed weekly charge.
By arrangement with the London Boroughs of Lewis ham and Lambeth
mothers requiring emergency admission, physically handicapped or in need
of greater support, were sent to "Ballantyne" and "Carisbrooke" Mother
and Baby Homes respectively, where there are special facilities. Both
homes have now closed and arrangements have been made with the London
Borough of Ealing for mothers who are not acceptable to the voluntary
organisations to be admitted to that Council's Mother and Baby unit,
"Amherst Lodge", 47, Amherst Road, W.13.