View report page

63
(involving 4 children) at Newington Lodge, Lambeth. Between 1st
April, 1965, and 31st March, 1966, a further 27 families (70 children)
were taken into temporary accommodation. Of these 27
families, 24 were admitted to West Mailing and 3 direct to family
units within the Borough. The families admitted direct to family
units were rendered homeless as a result of fire. They were able
to return to their own accommodation after a short time. During
the same period, 24 families were discharged from West Mailing.
5 were accommodated by the Housing Department of this
Authority; 15 made their own arrangements; and 4 were transferred
to family units. At 31st March, 1966, there were 3 families
remaining at West Mailing.
Family Units
26. The first family unit was brought into operation on 18th
October, 1965. At 31st March, 1966, there were 7 of these units
in various parts of the Borough, and 7 families had been accommodated
in them—4 transferred from West Mailing, 3 admitted direct.
Of the 4 discharged from family units, 1 family was provided with
permanent housing accommodation by the Housing Department
and the remaining 3 families made their own alternative arrangements.
Prevention
27. Between 1st April, 1965, and 31st March, 1966, the social welfare
officers dealt with 134 families. As indicated in the preceding
paragraph, 27 of these were admitted to temporary accommodation.
In the majority of cases, therefore, other measures were taken to
avoid the necessity for admission. Closer liaison has been developed
between departments of the local authority, other agencies, and
the voluntary organisations in a determined effort to reduce the
incidence of homelessness. At the end of the period under review,
however, the situation remained of great concern.
WORK OF THE SOCIAL WORKER IN RELATION TO THE
ELDERLY
28. Although the Council provides residential care for a number
of old people, the majority of the elderly remain in their own
homes, or with relatives. The social welfare officers are concerned
in helping these people to lead a full and independent life, in a
place of their own where they can enjoy privacy and comfort in
familiar surroundings. A great deal of effort, thought, and imagination
is required on the part of the worker, in order to help an old
person achieve this. In the first instance, a professional relationship
with the client must be built up, which should be one of mutual
trust and confidence, and in which the person's wishes must always
be respected, and the dignity of old age preserved. The building