London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
City of Westminster 1937
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Westminster, City of]
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68
Child Life Protection.—Public Health (London) Act, 1936, Part XIII.
At the end of the year the register contained the names of 14 foster
mothers who were then in possession of foster children. Each had one
child only. Seven new registrations were made. No death occurred
amongst foster children during the year.
Notices numbering 65 were received from other authorities in respect
of the transfer of children from the care of foster mothers in those districts
to the care of their parents or other persons residing or said to be residing
in Westminster.
The Council renewed for a further period of one year the certificate
of exemption, granted in 1936, under the provisions of Section 271 (2) of
the Act, in respect of the Nursery established at Dolphin Square,
Grosvenor Road, a building comprising some 1,250 flats. The Nursery
which is provided for the use of tenants only, has accommodation for some
40 children, and is well conducted. The certificate exempts from
visitation by the Council's officers and the necessity for giving notice to
the Council of the reception and removal of children.
During the year visits to foster children were carried out as follows:— Table LXII.—Foster Children.
| — | District. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| South-West. | Southern. | Northern. | |
| Visits by Child Life Protection Visitors to:— Foster Children under 5— | |||
| First visits | 21 | 21 | 11 |
| Subsequent visits | 20 | 57 | 1 |
| Foster Children 5 to 9— | |||
| First visits | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Subsequent visits | 13 | 12 | 2 |
Adoption of Children Act, 1926.—The Medical Officer of Health was
appointed guardian ad litem by the County Court in two cases where application
had been made to the Court by residents in the City for adoption
orders for infants, under the above Act. The orders were made in both
instances.
In carrying out this duty the Medical Officer has to satisfy the Courtas
to the suitability of the proposed adoptors and that the interests of
the infant will be safeguarded.