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Family caseworker efforts have been concentrated on the homeless
families at 158a Plumstead High Street, and on those who have
been rehoused from this Unit. Staff shortages curtailed the assistance
and benefits stemming from this arrangement.
Unsupported Mothers and Babies
During the year, the department gave financial help to 22 young
unmarried mothers at the (request of the local Moral Welfare
Workers who, in their turn, placed the girls in various mother
and baby homes. (See also page 120.)
Again this department made no firm progress towards its own
"mother and baby" hostel although plans have been discussed
which visualise the acquisition and conversion of a standing
property in the Borough for this purpose by 1973. By reason of
the continued successful operation in the area of a Greenlow
Society hostel the need for a Council establishment is becoming
somewhat less urgent than hitherto.
Supported by this department, five mothers were admitted to
the Greenlow Society's Hostel of whom two were still resident
at the end of the current year.
SERVICES FOR THE HANDICAPPED
Although, at present, some categories of handicapped people
fall outside the National Health Scheme for pecuniary benefits it
is the aim of our community services to help all individuals
towards self-support and an independent life, such measures
including rehabilitation and training for regaining capacity for
work. Where this is found to be impracticable, a solution is
sought by the department which endeavours to give the handicapped
the greatest of physical and mental freedom compatible
with his/her underlying condition.
Happily, legislation now before Parliament will give local
authorities greater opportunities to assist these particular sections
in their communities. About to reach the Statute Book is the