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10. Supervision Application and the Hearing:
Unless adopters live outside a 70 mile radius of the Borough, the Adoptions Officer
continues to visit the family at regular intervals, while the child is a "Protected* child. The
adopters are helped to complete application forms and a report is prepared for the Guardian ad
Litem, on the circumstances of the placement.
The Adoptions Officer does not attend the Hearing unless compelled to do so by the
Court to give evidence, or at the expressed wish of the adopters.
When the Order is made, all official contact with all couples concerned ceases. But
applicants often wish to remain in touch with the Department and this is encouraged. It is
hoped, when staffing is more adequate, to establish a follow-up service.
11. Guardian ad Litem Duties:
During the year ended March, 1968, the Children's Officer was appointed Guardian ad
Litem in 56 cases. These are undertaken in the Borough by the Special Court Officers who also
advise members of the public on legal matters involved in private adoption arrangements.
When the Children's Officer is asked to act as an Agent for Guardians ad Litem outside
the Borough,this task is usually undertaken by Senior Child Care Officers or Child Care Officers.
12. Welfare Supervision:
In the Borough this is allocated to Child Care Officers. There were 31 such cases during
the year ended March, 1968.
13. Liaison with London Boroughs:
Children's Officers of the London Boroughs have felt it advantageous to hold meetings
to discuss adoption matters generally. The meetings will be arranged by the Children's Officer
for Hounslow. One meeting has already taken place and another is proposed for the near future.