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34
the care of the Medical Officer of the Welfare Centre. These
last cases are placed in hospital so as to keep close observation
on the progress of the child from day to day the feeding being
charged in accordance with the progress or otherwise, a proceeding
which cannot be carried out at the home of the child for the very
obvious reasons that the mother cannot give the necessary attention
to the child and that the Medical Officer cannot be in attendance
there.
Food.
Under the Milk (Mother and Children) Order, 1918, milk or
food is provided by the Council to nursing or expectant mothers
and to children under 5 years of age where the financial circumstances
warrant it. Usually milk is provided, this being supplied
to the mother or parent through her usual dairyman on an order
issued by the Public Health Department. Sometimes food is
provided through the National Kitchens, but usually milk is easier
to provide and more acceptable.
An application form is filled in by each applicant, who has
to state the total income and family circumstances. If the amount
of income does not exceed 7s. per head per week the milk or food
is given free. If the income is between 7s. and 10s. per head,
dried milk is supplied from the Welfare Centre at wholesale price.
I find this scale works well. It seeem to meet the cases equitably.
Creches, Etc.
The Board's grant is available in respect of expenditure by
Local Authorities on providing or aiding creches and day nurseries,
and on placing children in the care of foster-mothers
who are under supervision by the Medical Officer of Health. The
grant is also available for aiding homes where children can remain
through the night as well as the day, and is especially intended
for the children of mothers who go out to work. A scale of
charges should be fixed for these services, but a charge may be
remitted or reduced in individual cases where the circumstances
justify the adoption of this course.
The South Ealing Crcche or Day Nursery, which has been
managed by the Creche Society has met a decided need in the