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125
In order to add to the value of the useful work already carried
out in this field, supervisors and staffs of Day Nurseries and Play
Groups are encouraged to participate in one of the courses of
training which are becoming increasingly available.
Occasional Creche Service
Occasional creches are held at three Child Health centres and
these have proved to be very worthwhile. They are held once a
week (one centre has two creches, each held weekly) where children
under five years are cared for while their mothers attend sessions
at the centre, keep hospital appointments, or go shopping on their
own. The nominal charge is abated when necessary, and no charge
is made to any mother who uses the service when attending hospital.
Adoption, Foster Parents and Boarding Out
Adoption
One of the most serious social problems of the country today
(although happily of no great moment in this Borough at present)
is the difficulty experienced in the assimilation into society of
coloured immigrants in order that hostility and discrimination may
be avoided.
A corollary of this situation, which is becoming progressively
more important, is that of the settlement of children of differing
racial origins who, for various reasons, are deprived of a family life.
Responsibility, generally, for the placement of these children rests
with Adoption Societies and with Children's Departments and, for
most adopters, there is an obligation, under Section 3 of the
Adoption Act, 1958, to notify the local authority of their intention
to adopt.
Health Visitors are often in close contact with such children and
in some instances their records are of considerable value to the
Medical Officer when his observations are sought by the various
agencies concerned with adoption.
Foster Parents
In accordance with the Boarding Out of Children Regulations,
1955, the department's observations are also sought with regard
to foster homes listed by the Children's Department into which
children have been placed by the Children's Officer in the course
of his duties.
Boarding Out
On the recommendation of the Chest Physician, arrangements
can be made for the boarding-out of children exposed to infection