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28
Care of the Unsupported Mother and her Child
This type of case presents many problems, many of which can be
very difficult to resolve. There is no set pattern for dealing with them—
each case being considered in the light of all circumstances and the best
solution possible worked out in the interests of the mother and child.
Many social work agencies can be involved and they all work in collaboration
with the Medical Social Worker engaged specifically to deal with
such problems and whose services are shared with the London Borough
of Brent.
During 1967 a total of 107 applications for help was received from
unsupported mothers. This was a slight increase on the previous year
and included all age groups.
Out of 23 mothers who kept their babies and took them home, 9
were 16 years old or under; 12 applications were received from mothers
in this age group and only 2 are known definitely to have sought adoption.
Of the 9 who kept, all but 2 were accepted home with their babies. Of the
remaining 2 mothers who were rejected by their families, one went to
live with the putative father's family in very overcrowded conditions, and
the other went to cohabit with the father of her child.
The very young mother who decides to keep her child has virtually
no hope of doing so with any degree of success unless her family or the
father of her baby agree to help her. The landlady who would accept such
a young mother would be difficult to find and in most cases the mother's
wage would be so low that she would be unable to support herself and
her child.
The greatest difficulty facing the mother who keeps her baby, in any
age group, is accommodation. More hostels for the working mother and
her child, where the baby can be cared for are needed. Such hostels,
although possibly only giving help to the mother for a limited period,
usually two years, do provide a home and security for her at the time when
this is needed most and allow her to adjust to her new role. In the whole
of the Greater London area there are only two hostels of this kind.