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65
THE FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
for the
Year ending 31st December, 1930,
t on
INFANT LIFE PROTECTION.
INFANT LIFE PROTECTION.
Since April 1st, 1930, as provided by Section 2 (a) of the Local Government Act, 1929, the
functions under Part I. of the Children Act, 1908, previously discharged by the Poor Law Authorities
have been discharged by the Willesden Council.
The existing Health Visitors have been designated also " Infant Protection Visitors," and
have been vested with the authority necessary to enable them to discharge their duties as such.
These duties are periodically to visit the homes of Foster Mothers in order to inspect the
premises and to satisfy themselves that the Foster Children are properly nursed and maintained,
giving the necessary advice or directions as to their nursing and maintenance. The Health Visitors
also have to ascertain as far as practicable whether there are any children in their districts who are
being maintained for reward but in respect of whom notice has not been given to the Local Authority
as required by the Act.
The standard of the Foster Homes varies considerably. They are scattered in every locality
in Willesden, but each home is visited not less than once every two months and a report made of
the premises, the Foster Mother and the children.
The majority of the Foster Children appear to benefit by the care given to them by the Foster
Mothers ; but, unfortunately, a number of these children—especially those of illegitimate parentage—
change hands frequently, there being no obligation on the part of either parent or foster parent to
keep them in one home. The most usual reason for these changes is the omission on the part of the
parent to make the regular payments. These changes would not appear to be good for the children
concerned, either with regard to training or general welfare.

* Note.—The actual number of now individual Foster Children who came under notice between 1st April, 1930,
and 3rd January, 1931 = 105.