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75
HEALTH SERVICES
Family Caseworkers
There are three full time family caseworkers in the Department and three
I.L.E.A. school health social workers who do combined duties at school Clinics
and with a limited number of problem families. 45 families were covered, having
between them a total of 231 children. Referrals were from Case Conferences
and from the Arrears Sub-Committee. The latter were families in danger of
eviction and were initially taken on for 3 months' casework, but two proved to
be long term cases; it is gratifying to note that none of the families were evicted,
one cleared the rent completely; the rent was however only the presenting problem,
and the caseworker is still working with the family because of the serious
marital problems.
The turnover in this type of casework is always slow. It takes time to
form a working relationship with mentally subnormal or emotionally disturbed
parents and once the caseworker has gained their confidence it is equally slow
helping the family to make the best use of their capabilities and to modify their
often aggressive behaviour towards those trying to help them. Co-ordination
with Statutory and Voluntary Social Work Agencies is an important part of the
caseworkers' role.
Since taking on cases from this Arrears Sub-Committee there has been
closer co-operation and co-ordinating between the Caseworkers and the Housing
and Welfare Departments.
Dr. Isaacs, Psychiatrist from the Maudsley Hospital, has had two hourly
sessions every three weeks with the caseworkers and these consultations have
been invaluable. He has been able to see some of the parents either at the
Maudsley or one of his other hospital clinics when an emergency has arisen and
in some cases this has prevented the breakup of a family.
(Sgd) Miss T. Watts
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATES OF VACCINATION
Certificates of recent successful vaccination/inoculation are required by
persons travelling to certain countries abroad.
After completion by the vaccinating doctor (normally the persons's own
doctor) the certificate must be taken or sent for authentication of the doctor's
signature by the Medical Officer of Health for the area in which the doctor
practises.