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With so many professionally qualified social workers it has
been possible to provide good consultation for staff, and also
casework placements for students, though lack of accommodation
reduced the number of students who could be taken. The crowded
working conditions for the social workers, which were to some
extent relieved early in 1968, and the shortage of clerical and
other office resources, hampered the work throughout 1967.
Review of Work
In spite of all these difficulties, it was possible to inaugurate
a full review system for all cases carried by special workers
from October 1967 onwards. This is making it possible for
clients' needs to be studied more closely to ensure that services
are mobilised to bring about the best possible help with the
present resources available, and also to provide detailed information
on which to base further staff requirements.
Future Developments
As a result of the case reviews, the collection during 1967
of a number of new facts about the work of the section, including
the plotting of all current cases on a map of the Borough, and the
filling of vacancies on the staff with senior social workers, it
has been possible to make major organisational changes in
1968. These have led to closely integrated social work teams
operating in the borough, in areas which coincide with clinic
boundaries.
Work of the Social Workers
The social workers were occupied in five different ways:
1) Investigating, and giving continuing help where necessary, to
all new cases that were referred to the social work section.
2) Investigating, and giving continuing help where necessary, to
re-opened cases — closed cases known formerly to the section
but needing help again.
3) Giving continuing help to the regular caseload of mentally,
physically or socially handicapped people and their families.
4) Running clubs, classes, discussion groups, attending
hospitals, out-patient clinics, etc.
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