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Family Casework
113 families were provided with intensive help for varying periods during the year
and of this number 75 per cent, were in need of long-term support. The prevalence
of depresssion in families presenting multiple problems was particularly noted and
both psychological and sociological approaches were needed to ameliorate difficult
family situations.
The number of one-parent families seeking help increased and family caseworkers
and social workers submitted evidence to the Finer Committee which was set up to
look into the problems of such families.
Co-ordinating Committee
The Co-ordinating Committee met on nine occasions during the year and 47 case
conferences were convened at the request of the following agencies:—
8 GLC Housing Department
3 Lewisham Housing Department
5 Children's Service
2 Welfare Service
5 Education Welfare Service
1 NSPCC
23 Health Department.
Voluntary Organisations
Co-operation with voluntary agencies and associations was maintained and statutory
aid was supplemented and extended in a variety of ways.
Staff
Social workers attended talks, conferences and courses in relation to specific aspects
of their work. Of these there were two worthy of special mention:—
"The Voluntary Worker in the Social Services"—London Council of Social
Service;
"Living with Handicap"—National Bureau for Co-operation in Child Care.
Students
Placements continued to be provided for professional and pre-professional social
work students for varying periods of practical work in co-operation with training
bodies. The section welcomed this opportunity to participate in training and found
that, as in previous years, the students reciprocated by making a stimulating contribution
to the work of the group. In addition to social worker students, two student
teachers were present for short periods, and talks were also given to midwives and
hospital nursing staff.
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