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Health, in which he states "The Health Visitor must weigh up the
advantages and demerits of the circumstances of each applicant for
registration as a foster-mother and her relative freedom from onerous
personal ties. The Visitor must consider the age, state of health and
temperament of the mother, her domestic circumstances and setting,
the age and sex of the other inhabitants of the household, the cleanliness
and reasonable comfort of the home, the dietary, the sleeping
arrangements, the opportunities for play and the whole standard of
life of the household. The observation, advice and direction of the
Health Visitors are required to include all that relates to the health
and well-being of the child."
It is interesting to note that one foster-mother legally adopted the
child who had been in her care for a year.
It was not found necessary for any legal proceedings to be taken
during the year, but the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee
decided that one foster-mother could not be allowed to continue to
act in that capacity, owing to unsatisfactory home conditions. She
was therefore informed accordingly, and her name removed from the
official list.
During the year one foster-child reached the age of 9 years, and
thereby ceased to come within the scope of Part XIII of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936. In accordance with an arrangement made
with the London County Council the records concerning this child were
forwarded to the Children's Care Committee of the County Council,
who keep such children under special observation.
During the year three foster-children died, but in no case was
it considered necessary for an inquest to be held.
As in previous years, a Certificate of Exemption was granted
to the Hampstead Foster-Home, 33, Fitzjohn's Avenue, for 12 months
—from July. The Certificate exempts the Home from making
various notifications, etc., required by Part XIII of the Public Health
(London) Act, 1936, and also exempts the Home from official inspections
by the Officers of the Borough Council. This Certificate was
granted in view of the excellent manner in which the children are
cared for at the Home, and also of the fact that it is inspected by