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24
consideration to the problems associated with the illegitimate child.
and to do all in their power to help the mother to obtain a suitable
and safe background for herself and her child. Hostel accommoda
tion for the mother before and after the birth, and the services of
a skilled social worker who would be able to advise mothers on all
matters such as Affiliation Orders, and Adoption procedure, were
the two essentials.
It was realised thajt illegitimate births in Acton did not occur
in sufficient numbers to justify the provision of a Hostel for the
area, nor would there be sufficient work to employ a full time Socal
Worker. It was calculated that only 12 to 14 mothers in Acton
would require Hostel accommodation per annum. It was therefore
decided to approach the Middlesex County Council with a view
to their providing a scheme for the County as a whole, in which
Aaton might participate.
The Middlesex County Council have prepared a scheme
whereby Hostel accommodation at Maryland, Hendon (14 places)
and at 16 The Park, Golders .Green, is available to Acton mothers
at a charge to the Council of 35/- per week per case. Both these
Hostels are run and staffed by the British Red Cross Society
Assessments for payment are made only on the mother in respect
of the maintenance of herself and her illegitimate child,—mother
and child for this purpose to be assessed as one person.
The County Council already had on their staff a Special Services
Almoner whose duties involved visiting in the whole of the County,
area. Her services were made available for the purposes of the
above Circular, to all Welfare Authorities participating in the
County's scheme, of which Acton is one.
Much of the work mentioned in Circular 2866, in the way of
advice and assistance, is already being carried out by the Council's
Health Visitors, but in particularly difficult cases it is well to have
a Social Worker with special experience and a wider field of operation
to call upon.

Handicapped children — 2.