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The main help that was given to children in their own homes under
the Children and Young Persons Act, 1963, Section I, was by way of the
payment of fares for them to go to relatives who were in a position to look
after the children during family crises. Otherwise, the chief problem still
continues 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.
Children placed with foster parents by their own parents and supervised
under the Children Act, 1958, numbered 59.
Foster parents during this year have continued to give loving and
efficient care to the children, and returns which cover the period from 1st
April, 1966, to 31st March, 1967, revealed the fact that Harrow had the
second highest boarding out figure amongst the London Boroughs,
namely, 66 %. 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.
Meetings between the Children's Officers of the London Boroughs
have proved to be of such great practical value that it has been decided to
continue them. Case conferences within the Borough's services have also
been very helpful, but they appear to be even less necessary than before as
the staff are becoming so closely integrated that swift action and personal
consultation between members of the staff is carried out at all levels.
At Christmas it was possible for the Children's Home at 7a Gaylor
Road to be closed and the Home at 229 The Heights remained open in
case of emergencies, but all the children went away for the actual
Christmas weekend.
During the summer holidays the staff and children of 7a Gaylor
Road went away for a seaside holiday, whilst the staff and children of
229 The Heights remained at home, taking day trips. In addition holidays
were arranged for several of the children.
There has been no change in the staff of the Children's Home at 7a
Gaylor Road, but a part-time housemother was appointed to 229 The
Heights.
The plan for the Reception Unit has been passed by the Home Office
and it is hoped that building will be commenced in the Autumn of 1968.
The relationship with the Probation Department and the Juvenile
Court still appears to be a very happy one and this is of great importance
to the work of this department, especially for the adolescent group.
Inter-departmental relationships remain excellent and the Children's
Section continues to receive co-operation and helpful advice from all the
departments of the service which it has to call upon in varying cicumstances.