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SECTION III
SOCIAL SERVICES
NEW DEVELOPMENTS DURING 1968
The social work services were reorganised, so that the
public are now offered help according to where they live rather
than according to their "presenting symptom" of social need.
Foundations were laid for a permanent review and evaluation
system of the help provided, the beginnings of a much-needed
measurement scheme for social work. This will help to assess
caseloads, staffing needs, and, it is hoped, will show more
economic ways of offering services which are just as effective
as the present ones.
A new rota system enabled anyone wanting welfare help,
whether for themselves or for someone else,to speak immediately
to a qualified social worker, who could then and there discuss
plans and possibilities with them.
Social work staff were able to become more proficient in
helping people in groups, and further developments in this side
of the work were planned.
There was a major step forward in starting training for staff
at all levels in the five old peoples homes. In particular, there
was a short course especially designed for attendant staff in the
homes. Five of these courses took place, each one covering ten
to twelve members of the staff. Films were shown, practical
lecture demonstrations provided by a Health Visitor, and
discussions led by a Social Worker. As far as we know, this is
the first such in-service training course of its kind and its
value to the staff is already apparent.
A number of new ideas were implemented to give the best
possible service to residents in the Department's old peoples
homes, and to get those who wanted to, to participate in the
actual running of their home.
A new rent guarantee scheme between the Housing Department,
Children's Department and Health & Welfare Department
was brought into operation. The closest working relations were
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