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Residential establishments for young children
Residential establishments under the direction of the Children's Committee are visited
regularly by the Council's medical officers. The care of the children suffering from physical
handicap or mental retardation, whether due to innate defect or emotional disturbance is
carefully reviewed. A register is also kept and reviewed periodically by a medical officer so
that constructive plans for the future of these handicapped children can be made. New
problems are arising as a result of early diagnosis of congenital handicaps and children are
often moved into the county so that they may more easily obtain appropriate special
educational treatment.
Adoption and boarding out
Every child whom it is proposed to board out with a view to adoption is given a full
medical examination by his doctor and the Medical Officer of Health is asked for his
observations on the proposal.
Care of the unmarried mother and her child
Mother and baby homes—One mother and baby home is managed by the Welfare Committee
together with two units in larger establishments. Other homes are provided by
voluntary organisations supported by grants in aid from the Council.
1955 1956 1957 1958 1959
Number of voluntary homes receiving grant at 31
December 20 18 17 16 15
Number of expectant and nursing mothers admitted 1,171 1,306 1,141 1,191 1,072
Total grants £11,048 £10,758 £11,360 £10,476 £10,237
Moral welfare associations—Financial assistance to the five large moral welfare associations
of the major religious denominations was continued.
1955 1956 1957 1958 1959
Total grants £9,525 £9,625 £9,625 £12,531 £13,555
Number of expectant and nursing mothers advised. 2,429 2,908 2,684 2,975 3,005
The following statistical tables relate only to cases dealt with by the five moral welfare
associations (London Diocesan Council, Southwark Diocesan Association, Westminster
Catholic Social Welfare Committee (Crusade of Rescue), Southwark Catholic Rescue,
Jewish Board of Guardians).
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