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*Estimated grant, subject to adjustment
OTHER ITEMS
HANDICAP REGISTER
A central index of handicapped children 0-21 years continued to be maintained centrally under the
general supervision of the principal medical officer. The Kalamazoo Fact-finder system installed in 1969 has
greatly facilitated the extraction of information. It was thus possible to improve the review of the
development and welfare of those on the register.
Schoolchildren on the handicap register are reviewed annually, or more frequently if necessary. School
Care Committees and the Invalid Children's Aid Association combine to provide useful links with this
department on social problems.
Social workers and peripatetic teachers are attached to Frank Barnes (Deaf) and Hargrave Park (Partially
Hearing Unit) Schools. Social workers are also attached to Cloudesley (Physically Handicapped) School and
a Social Worker employed by the Inner London Education Authority, and based on this Department, is
attached to the Autistic Unit at Horizon (Educationally Sub-normal) school. Children attending the three
Islington Educationally Sub-IMormal Schools and their families are visited periodically by case workers from
the Elfrida Rathbone Committee.
Handicapped School leavers are found employment through the established arrangements between the
Borough Services and the Handicapped Young Persons Section of the Youth Employment Services. The
Principal Mental Health Social Worker (or her representative) attends the meeting of the Youth
Employment Bureaux sub-committee for handicapped children.
Deaf children of all ages are registered with the Senior Social Worker (Health Services) who in liaison
with the Principal Medical Officer reviews their cases constantly.
A Senior Medical Officer who visits residential establishments regularly follows-up children in care who
suffer from a mental or physical handicap. Hospital reports are requested for individual children when
required and close contact is kept with the Children's Officer and his Child Care Officers on individual
cases.
At the end of 1970 the number of children on the Central Handicap Register was:
1970 1969
Handicap Register 0-21 years 2,103 2,084
BATTERED BABIES
Six conferences were held during the year on young children suspected of being "Battered babies."
Medical and nursing staff of the hospital concerned, officers of the Health and Children's Departments and
of the N.S.P.C.C. were present and general practitioners were invited and attended when possible. In each
case plans were made for the continued supervision of the child and family and assistance and support for
the parents.
PREVENTION OF BREAK-UP OF FAMILIES
The Co-ordinating Committee met five times during the year. The manager of one of the local offices of
the Department of Health and Social Security joined the Committee as a permanent member.
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