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Family Caseworkers
Skilled in casework techniques gave help to approximately forty families during the
year. Referrals came mainly from case conferences, but policy now is that any department
or agency may refer. Caseloads were kept small and co-operation with
other departments and agencies was maintained.
Co-ordinating Committee
The Principal Social Worker is one of the department's representatives on the Committee,
which is composed of Council Officers and allied agencies such as the Probation
Service. The Committee discusses departmental social service programmes,
considers problems of policy in relation to special difficulties in family situations, and
receives reports of case conferences. During the year there were eight meetings.
Training
Students were accepted from professional and pre-professional courses for varying
periods of practical work. Members of staff attended seminars and lectures in connection
with specific aspects of their work, and attended the following conferences
and courses:—
London Boroughs Training Committees — Family Casework
London Boroughs Training Committees — Group Work
Leicester University (A.P.S.W.) — The Disturbed Child
London School of Economics — Professional Student
Supervision
Association of Psychiatric Social Workers — Autistic Children
I.L.E.A. — The Needs of Deaf Children
Chest Clinics
Each of the two chest clinics has a welfare officer attached who acts as Secretary to
the Care Committee, advises on facilities available, and gives help with practical
problems. Both the Deptford and Lewisham Care Committees met on eight occasions
during the year, when funds, grants, outings, etc. were considered to supplement and
facilitate the welfare of patients suffering from the chest conditions.
V.D. Clinics
It has not been possible to arrange social worker attachment as yet, although it is
hoped to do so in the not too distant future. There is considerable evidence that
these diseases are increasing in incidence, especially in the younger age groups. There
is a great need for the application of social counselling and health education to this
problem.
Investigation or treatment as needed is, of course, confidential and available on
application to the following local centres:—
St. John's Hospital. Morden Hill, S.E.I3
Male: Monday, 5.00 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday, 10.00 a.m.
Female: Monday, 2.30 p.m. Thursday, 5.00 p.m.
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