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20
The Council will be aware that as a result of the Report
of the Care of Children Committee (Curtis Report) a Bill has
been introduced in Parliament for the more comprehensive
care of the child deprived of a normal home life.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT:
The provision of psychological treatment for children
under 5 years of age was continued, the children being referred
by the Departmental Medical Officers from the Child Welfare
Sessions.
Unfortunately, there was some break in the continuity of
this service, the Phychological worker in charge having
resigned and it was some time before a suitable successor was
found. The aim of this service is an endeavour to correctpsychological
abnormalities in children at as early an age as
possible with, it is hoped, a consequent diminution in the
number of maladjusted children of school age who are found
to require treatment.
In addition, a Mothers' Discussion Group is held each
week at the Central Hendon Health Centre, a member of the
staff of the Tavistock Clinic being in charge. Mothers finding
difficulties in the adjustment of their younger children to
family life are invited to attend and discuss their problems.
The purpose of the Group is again largely preventive.
DAY NURSERIES:
There are eight Day Nurseries in the Borough with places,
for 422 children under the age of 5 years. Most of the places
in the nurseries are taken by children of women in full-time
employment in industry but it has been possible from time to
time to admit children on compassionate grounds for limited
periods. All the nurseries have 20% more on their register
than the actual number of places as there are always some
children absent from a variety of causes, and the additional
20% permits of the nurseries being used to the fullest
advantage.