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77
CHILDREN'S SERVICES
1966 is the first complete year of which the Children's Department in
Harrow has functioned under the direction of the Committee of the
Borough of Harrow. There have been no staff changes during this period
amongst the Child Care Officers, but one of the administrative staff left
to study for the Social Studies Diploma.
During the year there were 398 enquiries from parents, relatives and
guardians about 661 children, which resulted in 94 being received into care,
and 108 were discharged home again. Seven Fit Person Orders were made
by the Courts investing the Borough with the responsibility of bringing up
the child until he/she attains eighteen years of age, unless the Order, at the
request of the parents or guardian, has been revoked before that date. There
were no cases of cruelty or negligence endangering the health or life of any
child during that period reported to this department. 88 children were
supervised by this department during the probationary period required by
the Adoption Act 1958 pending the adoption.
Seventeen children were committed to the Approved Schools by the
Courts. After care work requested from the Approved Schools, whose duty
it is to appoint the After Care Officer, was made for the after care to be
carried out by this department for six boys.
The Parents Advisory Clinic has proved to be a great support and is
most excellent. Of 79 parents who approached us during this period, 26
were referred to Dr. Tonnesman who directed some to the Child Guidance
Clinic, and others to Mental Hospitals, but a greater number continued
supervision by the Children's Department. It was necessary for only one
child to be brought before the Court.
The help that can be g;ven to children in their own homes under the
Children and Young Persons Act, 1963, Section 1, has revealed that
poverty is not the most pressing problem in keeping a family together,
rather especially in Harrow where the Welfare Department is so able to
deal with pending evictions and so often stave them off. The main
problem appears to be the inability of parents to control their children,
largely due to unhappy marriages or co-habitation, and general lack of
principles and self-discipline, which, of course, prevents them making a
satisfactory home for their family.
Children placed with foster parents by their own parents and
supervised under the Children's Act, 1958, numbered 73.
Foster parents during this year have given loving and efficient care
to the children, and returns which cover the period from 1st April 1965 to
31st March 1966, revealed the fact that Harrow, equally with another
London Borough, had the highest boarding out figure amongst the London
Boroughs, i.e. 70%. In addition to caring for young children who need
care, both short and long term, foster parents have tackled difficult teenagers
and have shown great insight and initiative.