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and he resumed drinking. Violent quarrels between husband and wife and police called
in more than once. Frequent visiting continued and situation improved as mother
became more stable and better adjusted to resume household duties and after a while
N.S.P.C.C. inspector ceased to call.
Family became reasonably adjusted and self-supporting and children now look
well-nourished and happy—physique good. Clothing sometimes rather inadequate,
particularly for the girls. Where mother is inadequate, older children take over and
help to keep matters from getting too much out of hand. Family still under close
supervision as situation is likely to deteriorate if husband should be out of work for
very long.
Family 2. Father (aged 63 years), mother (aged 44 years) and nine children, aged
23 years to 2 years. Three other children (triplets) died after birth.
Father lame and of only fair intelligence with a prison record (breaking and entering,
receiving stolen goods). Mother of extremely low mentality, ineducable and almost
unemployable; has no control over children and father takes charge of housekeeping
matters and does household cleaning, etc. Family frequently receiving national assistance.
Children, under father's influence, often before courts on charges of stealing. Family
ostracised by neighbours, but efforts to give family a fresh start by arranging housing
transfer failed because they were bad tenants. When father in prison, home conditions
became deplorable. Services of home help refused, and health visitor needed to pay
frequent visits and spend a great deal of time in supporting mother in household
management and duties, feeding baby, etc.
Early in 1955 one child was before court on theft charge and court asked for
psychiatric report. Psychiatrist's interest extended to father and mother and most of
children and he attended meeting of intermediate case conference in February 1955 and
endorsed and supported opinion of all field workers that children should be received
into care as a preventive measure. Action followed by children's department. Of the
children of school age, six were received into care, the court sent one to an approved
school and the youngest child remained at home. In April 1956, on decision of divisional
co-ordinating committee, restrictions placed on the children in care visiting their
home, but the parents continued to visit the children. Away from family influence,
children have done better at school and one is, in fact, of above average intelligence.
Oldest son now married and living at home with his wife, aged 17 years, who
expects a baby in March 1957. He is work-shy and of low intelligence and his wife, too,
is not very intelligent. Health visitor continues to supervise remaining child at home and
to maintain contact with father and mother and married son and daughter-in-law.
Family 3. Father, an Indian (aged 44 years), mother, English (aged 43 years) and
five children aged 20 years to 7 years. One other child died aged 18 years. Husband,
habitual drunkard, has spent much of his life in prison. When under the influence of
drink he ill-treats his wife and children and smashes furniture, etc.
Family well-known to social workers and agencies in the area for many years.
Following summary of family history over past seven years shows the difficulties
experienced in helping this family.
In April 1949 health visitor greatly concerned as mother expecting sixth child in
July, but no preparations made for confinement. Scarcely any furniture in home,
bedding filthy, windows broken and floors bare. One child then in a remand home,
one living with grandmother ; father in prison. Schoolchildren miserable-looking and
ill-clad. Baby looked neglected, N.S.P.C.C. called in. Considerable help given to family
and toddler admitted to day nursery. Eldest girl committed to Council's care under a
'Fit Person' Order in January 1950, but conditions improved enough for N.S.P.C.C.
to close the case in July 1950. Health visitor continued visiting and from time to time
children given holidays and younger ones taken into the day nursery. Home help
offered but refused.