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43
ADOPTION OF CHILDREN.
13 persons gave notice under Section 7 (3) of the Adoption
of Children (Regulation) Act, 1939, in respect of 13 children.
At 31st December, there were 3 children in respect of whom
adoption proceedings had not be completed, and who were still
under the supervision of the Local Authority.
CARE OF ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN.
In addition to the special attention given to illegitimate
children by the Health Visitors, cases are referred to the
Rochester Diocesan Association for Moral Welfare, with whom
this Department works in the closest co-operation.
The Ravensbourne Home of the Association is situated within
the Borough, and all necessary arrangements are made by the
Sister-in-charge for the admission of the expectant mothers to
the Home prior to confinement, transfer to hospital, post-natal
care and advice, rehabilitation of the mothers, arrangements
with foster-parents, etc.
The care and attention given to these cases, both by the
Health Visitors and the Association, is reflected in the low
illegitimate infant mortality rate of 17.86 per 1,000 births (one
death only).
DAY NURSERIES.
The continuing and increasing demand for women to return
to industry has meant that the services of the Day Nurseries have
become and will continue as an important section of the
Maternity and Child Welfare service.
The two Day Nurseries in Bromley have 39 approved places
for children under two years of age, and 61 for children aged
from two to five years. ,
At 31st December, 1947, there were 31 children under two
years of age, and 66 children aged from two to five years on the
registers, and there was a waiting list of 35 children.
Draycott Nursery.
The Matron's report for 1947 is as follows:—
" The Nursery has had a very active year. The attendance
has been at full capacity during the year, except for a slight fall
during February and March due to the extremely bad weather,
and again in June when 20 cases of measles were reported.
" Since then, the health of the Nursery has remained at a
high level. Regular medical attention has been given by the
Assistant Medical Officer, Dr. P. Currie.
" Mrs. M. E. Thompson resigned her position as Deputy
Matron in April, and Mrs. E. M. Benge was appointed in her