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63
WELFARE SERVICES
I think it is generally accepted that once a service has been provided
the demand for that service increases and progression and expansion must
follow. This is certainly the case in the field of Welfare and since my last
annual report improvements and planning have resulted in a far wider
section of the community being able to avail itself of the necessary
services to relieve distress and strengthen its ability to function as normally
as possible. This has been achieved in spite of staffing and other setbacks,
such as the postponement of certain projects proposed in the 10 year plan
due to National economic difficulties.
Significant progress has been maintained with regard to the services
for the handicapped and the introduction of an elderly persons' register
has proved very useful. The addition of another residential home,
Whyteways, opened in September, did much to reduce the waiting list
of persons requiring residential care. Facilities too for homeless families
were strengthened by the provision of extra hostel accommodation for
seven families made available in June. The trend of expansion was also
evident in the field of blind welfare.
Provision of Temporary Accommodation for Families rendered homeless
It was the original intention of the National Assistance Act 1948 that
accommodation of a temporary nature should only be provided for families
rendered homeless by such causes as fire, flood, etc. This service has now
been extended to provide help for families whose need has arisen through a
variety of causes. Assistance is given in many ways and relatively few
families actually require accommodation.
Social Work
Financial mismanagement and desertion are frequently the causative
factors, whilst overcrowding and mental strain is likely to develop where
relatives have had to provide shelter.
Families which have actually become homeless have often lost their
initiative and sense of responsibility. Most authorities maintain that the
longer the causative factors have existed the more unrewarding and time
consuming will be the social workers' task of rehabilitation. Consequently
efforts are more productive when directed towards families who have not
actually become homeless.
In many instances, visits by the social worker to landlords and relatives
result in some measure of agreement and eviction is prevented. In addition
the better understanding obtained results in a lessening of tension for all
concerned. On other occasions, preventive measures are indicated when,
for example, a family is beginning to fall into arrear with their rent. On