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140
circumstances, be unrealistic. With greater planning time and
financial estimates prepared ab initio, local councils will be better
prepared and more able to acquit themselves worthily during 1972.
New Legislation
The Local Authority Social Services Act, 1970.
Based on the recommendations of the Seebohm Report and
brought into effect on 1st January, 1971, this Act creates the post
of Director of Social Services in connection with the organisation,
management and administration of local authority social services,
including child care (previously the responsibility of the Home
Office) and, accordingly, makes amendments to the Health Visiting
and Social Work (Training) Act, 1962. No additional services
to the public are contained in this legislation.
The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970.
In extending the local authority's duties under Section 29 of the
National Assistance Act, this Act seeks to make further provision
with regard to the welfare of chronically sick and disabled persons.
Although the greater part of the Act became operative from 29th
August of the current year, official guidance in respect of Sections
1 and 2 (ascertainment of the numbers and needs of the handicapped
people to whom the Act applies) delayed its full implementation
until 1st October, 1971.
General
During the disturbing interregnum while the future structure of
the department was being decided our high standards of community
care were maintained, albeit with increasing difficulty, in the
face of an average field worker deficiency of 10%.
Nevertheless, during the current year a new 60-bed Residential
Home for elderly persons was brought into operation in the
Charlton area and a Day Centre was established at "Elmgrove"
Old People's Home. Adaptation of the Halstow Road Lunch Club
into one accommodating both a Lunch Club and a Day Centre
was also accomplished during 1970.
In the community care sphere we expected the following projects
to be completed during the coming year:—
1. Combined Centre, Well Hall Road
To provide 30 places for mentally and physically handicapped
persons.
2. Hostel, St. John's Park
To provide 21/22 places for mentally ill adults.