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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, 1968; 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 one quarter 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
some are long-stay cases, and these automatically go out of care at 18
years of age, although in certain circumstances help may be given 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 a "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.
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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.
III-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 that 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 duty to
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