View report page

CHILD GUIDANCE CLINIC
I am indebted to Dr. S. Fahmy, Consultant Psychiatrist, for the following report:–
In 1972 the Clinic's work was markedly helped by the appointment of a Social Worker at
the end of last year. The improvement was most noticeable in reducing the waiting period before
parents were first seen, in home visits to parents who found attending difficult and in releasing
some of the Consultant's time for individual therapy. This progress continued throughout the
year but, unfortunately, stopped at its end when the Psychiatric Social Worker decided to return
to her country.
The following tables covering the four quarters reflect the current call made by referring
agencies and under–estimates the real needs. Since many teenagers who go to the Courts are now
being dealt with by the Social Services the figures do not show either the true picture of antisocial
behaviour or the current incidence of adolescent disturbances. Further, through the increase
in the number and activities of the educational psychologists, the schools appear to refer fewer
cases than in previous years. This may have reduced the call on the clinic but need not necessarily
imply a reduction in the incidence of emotional disturbances or increased community resources in
treating them.
Analysis of the figures show the steady reduction in the waiting periods and an increase in
the number of active treatment sessions given to individual children. It was and remains the hope
that this trend would continue and even accelerate when the staffing situation improves.
In contrast to this picture the situation in Child Care in the Borough has, if anything,
become less effective than in previous years. This is due to the shortage of social workers with
experience in dealing with disturbed children. These difficulties hampered and further delayed
systematic work with institutions and professional groups mentioned in previous reports.
As in previous years psychologists and remedial teachers maintained their eagerness to help
with clinic cases and the smooth efficiency of the Clinic's administrative work has depended upon
the ever willing, conscientious hard work of the senior secretary.
47.