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These babies resulted from the pregnancies of 2,398 women—in the case of 485
the result of pregnancy was unknown, and in others the result was a miscarriage, stillbirth,
etc. Of the 2,398 women, 855 (nearly 36 per cent.) were reported as admitted
to mother and baby home before birth of baby.
The total number of illegitimate births in London (Administrative County) during
1957 was 4,886 and the number reported as admitted to Mother and Baby Home
represents about 18 per cent. of this total.
Child life protection
By arrangement with the Children's Officer responsibility for the visiting of foster
children and the inspection of premises in which the children are living, under Part XIII
of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, as amended by Part V of the Children Act,
1948, was undertaken by health visitors designated as 'child protection visitors'.
1956 1957
No. of children under supervision on 31 March 643 659
Amenities funds
Small voluntary committees administered funds for the purposes of additional amenities
for mothers and children attending welfare centres and day nurseries. The voluntary
committees received contributions from Sunday cinematograph entertainments as in
previous years.
Marriage guidance
Grants totalling £5,932 for the year ending 31st March, 1958, were made to the London
Marriage Guidance Council, the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council and the Family
Discussion Bureau.
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