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and County Boroughs appointed Co-ordinating Officers in order to
co-ordinate the activities of the many statutory authorities and voluntary
bodies interested in the welfare of children from such families,
So far as I am aware no co-ordinating officer was appointed for Essex,
and indeed the area is too vast and diverse to make the appointment
of only one officer of much value.
Soon after I took up my duties in Barking, Inspector Holmes,
who represents the N.S.P.C.C. on the Health Area Sub-Commitlet,
submitted a report on the activities of his Society. Arising out of this
and of conversations with Mr. Holmes, I decided to call together)
meeting of those interested in the welfare of Barking Children. There
was a gratifying response and our first meeting, on 1st July, 1953, was
attended by the following:—
Superintendent Health Visitor, Barking Health Area
Senior Education Welfare Officer, Barking Committee for
Education
Rehousing Officer, Barking Borough Council
Inspector Holmes, Barking with Dagenham Branch N.S.P.C.C
Manager, Barking Office, National Assistance Board
Children's Visitor, County Children's Department
Probation Officer, Becontree Division
Psychiatric Social Worker, Ilford Child Guidanr Clinice
It was decided to hold regular monthly meetings and Iso to invite
a duly authorised Officer from the County Mental Health Department
It is not possible to assess the value of our meetings solely on the
first six months experience, but I know that all concerne have found
the personal contact with their colleagues in other depai ments of the
utmost value. I think we can also claim that in some cases where
two, three or more workers had been visiting we ha e prevented
wasteful and irritating overlapping of services. It was agreed in each.
instance that only one worker would continue supervision, reporting
back to the Committee when there appeared to be need for further
action. The creation of such a committee does not, of course, enable
us to provide help which is beyond the power or scope of its individual
members and their respective departments or organisations, but the
free discussion on possible lines of action has been most valuable in
determining policy with regard to some families.
Since "co-ordination" is the catchword of today, it might be
of interest to remark upon certain inherent difficulties where bounds
and catchment areas of the departments concerned differ widely.
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