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Representatives from the G.L.C. Housing Department and the National Assistance
Board were co-opted and in practice, it was found helpful for Welfare Officers from
the Housing and Welfare Departments to be present. In addition representatives
from other voluntary and statutory agencies attended as appropriate.
During the period from 1st April to 31st December, the Co-ordinating Committee
met on six occasions, when a variety of problems were discussed, both in relation to
policy and to specific cases.
CASE CONFERENCES
Anyone, whether working in a statutory or voluntary capacity may ask the Secretary
of the Co-ordinating Committee to convene a conference of field workers in order
that a particular family's needs may be considered. The aim is to assess problems
presented and by pooling information to formulate a plan for future supervision.
However, when intractable difficulties arise and field workers fail to reach a decision
or when special services are required, the case may be referred to the Co-ordinating
Committee for further discussion.
During the period 1st April—31st December, 35 such conferences were held on
cases referred by the following departments and agencies:
(a) Divisional School Care Organiser, I.L.E.A.—7; (b) National Society for Prevention
of Cruelty to Children—3; (c) Greater London Council and Borough Housing
Departments—3; (d) Welfare Department—4; (e) Children's Department—3;
(f) Health Department—12; (g) Probation Officers—2; (h) Hospitals—1.
FAMILY CASEWORK
In the nine months period up to the end of the year, casework help was provided for
26 families presenting multiple problems. The average number of children in these
families was six and in the majority severe parental inadequacy and immaturity was
present. Intensive support was therefore necessary on account of the total family
situation.
HOME HELP SERVICE
On 1st April 1965, the Council became responsible for the provision of the home
help service in the borough formerly provided by the London County Council.
Under the London County Council the service for the area now covered by the
London Borough of Lewisham had for some years been organised from three offices,
one in Deptford High Street, one at Rushey Green and another at Kirkdale. The
latter office also served a part of the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell which is
now part of the London Borough of Southwark, but during March 1965, a reallocation
of cases between home helps to conform with the new borough areas was
carried out and helps attending households in Camberwell and some of the supervisory
staff were transferred to a new office in that area. On 1st April the Deptford
High Street premises were given up and the home help office was transferred to the
Deptford Town Hall, which also accommodates the headquarters staff of the Health
Department.
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