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38
ADOPTION OF CHILDREN.
Ten persons gave notice under Section 7 (3) of the Adoption
of Children (Regulation) Act, 1939, in respect of 10 children.
At 5th July, 1948, there were two children in respect of whom
adoption proceedings had not been completed, and who were
still under the supervision of the Local Authority.
CARE OF ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN.
Valuable work is carried out in this sphere by the Rochester
Diocesan Association for Moral Welfare, with whom this Department
works in the closest co-operation.
Expectant mothers are admitted to the Ravensbourne Home
prior to confinement, and arrangements are made by the Sister
in charge for post natal care and advice, transfer to hospital,
rehabilitation of mothers and 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 19.23 per 1,000 births (1 death
only) for the Borough as a whole.
DAY NURSERIES.
The two Day Nurseries in Bromley continued in full activity
and, apart from occasional fluctuation in attendance due to the
. incidence of measles and whooping cough, etc., attendances were
at a high level.
Periodic medical inspection of the children was carried out
by Dr. P. A. Currie, Assistant Medical Officer.
The accommodation provided at the two Day Nurseries is
as under:—
Number of approved places: —
(a) For children 0 to 2 years 39
(b) For children 2 to 5 years 61
100
The Nurseries remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily,
except Sundays, a charge of 2s. 6d. per day for each child being
made prior to July 5th. Children of parents in straightened
circumstances are admitted free or at a reduced charge.
The demand for Day Nurseries continued at a high rate, and
at 5th July, 1948, when this service was taken over by the County
Council, there was a waiting list in respect of each Nursery.