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General
The Children Act, 1948, makes it the duty of a local authority such as the London Borough
of Hammersmith " To receive into its care any child in its area under the age of 17 years whose
parents or guardian are temporarily or permanently prevented from providing for him properly" and,
having received a child into its care, "To exercise their powers with respect to him so as to
further his best interests and to afford him opportunity for the proper development of his character*.
In other words, the Council must take over the care of children deprived of a normal home life,
for short or long periods, provide a substitute home life for them, and in general act as a good
parent to them whilst they are in care.
705 children were in the care of the London Borough of Hammersmith on the 31st December,
1967, although about 2,000 applications were made to the Children's Officer for children to be
received into care; and the fact that the number actually received into care was only about onethird
of this total is a tribute to the quality and quantity of the casework undertaken by the
Children's Officer and her Child Care staff. It also highlights one aspect of the important preventive
powers contained in Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act, 1963.
Although a number of children are in care for quite short periods 90% are long-stay cases.
Children automatically go out of care at 18 years of age, though in certain circumstances help
may be giver, beyond that age. Intensive casework is, of course, also required to ensure that
a child goes out of care as soon as circumstances permit. The Children's Service provides for
the care and upbringing of children who have no parents or whose parents cannot look after them
properly, or who are committed by the Juvenile Courts to the care of the Council as " Fit person*,
or by other Courts in cases of matrimonial dispute. Additional functions are the finding and supervision
of foster homes for children in care; a wide range of adoption duties; the protection of
children placed for reward apart from their parents; and certain duties concerning children committed
to approved schools.
A preventive service is provided under Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act,
1963, which makes it a duty to make available such advice, guidance and assistance as may
promote the welfare of children by diminishing the need for them to come into care, or remain in
care, or appear before the Juvenile Court. The advice, guidance and assistance may include
assistance in kind or, in exceptional circumstances, in cash.
Ill -treatment or Neglect, of Children
It is the statutory duty of the Children's Officer under Section 62 of the Children and
Young Persons Act, 1933 (as amended), on receipt of information suggesting that any child may
be in need of care, protection or control (a) to cause enquiries to be made into the case, unless
satisfied that such enquiries are unnecessary; and (b)to bring before the Juvenile Court any child
who appears to be in need of care^ protection, or control, unless satisfied taat proceedings
are about to be taken by some other person. The Health, Welfare, Housing and Education
Departments notify the Children's Officer promptly of instances where children are, or are likely
to become, in need of care, protection, or control (i.e., a child who is not receiving proper care,
protection, or guidance and is falling into bad associations; or is exposed to moral danger; or is
likely as a result to suffer; or whose health or proper development are likely to be seriously
affected; or a child who is beyond the control of his parents). Suitable arrangements are then
made between the Departments for the child's welfare to be safeguarded, bearing in mind the new
duty to offer advice, guidance and assistance if it would diminish the need to bring the child
before the Court. Any worker in a Voluntary Organisation, or member of the public, who has reason
to believe that a child is in need of care, protection, or control, should get in touch with the
Children's Officer without delay.
Children Beyond Control
The Children's Officer is responsible for investigating the circumstances of all children
alleged to be beyond the control of their parents, arranges for voluntary advice, guidance, and
supervision in suitable instances and, if necessary, arranges for the children to be brought before
the Juvenile Court.
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