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87
CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Establishment
The establishment of the Children's Section at 31st December 1969
was as follows:—
Children's Officer Senior Child Care Officer
Deputy Children's Officer 4 Child Care Officers
The Children's Section receives into care children under the age of 17
who are without the care of parents or who have been lost or abandoned,
and also supervises children placed for adoption or placed in foster homes
by their parents. There is an advisory clinic once a week for parents who
are worried about their teenage children.
The year 1969 was the fifth in which the Children's services in Harrow
functioned under the direction of a Committee of the London Borough
of Harrow. During the year, two members of staff have retired after many
years of service, and both these vacancies have now been filled.
Arrangements were made for a total of 18 children from the Children's
Homes at 7a Gaylor Road, and 229 The Heights to go for a fortnight's
summer holiday at St. Mary's Bay, Kent, and the children enjoyed their
holiday very much indeed. Two children joined the party as their home
circumstances were very difficult. It was possible to arrange, in cooperation
with the health visitors etc. to give some families a parcel of
groceries and toys at Christmas.
During the year there were enquiries from 335 parents, relatives and
guardians about 648 children, which resulted in 101 being received into
care. A total of 18 were discharged from care. There were 5 Fit Person
Orders made by the Courts committing children to the care of the
Borough.
Twelve children were committed to approved schools by the Courts.
Request from approved schools, whose duty it is to appoint the after-care
officers, were made for the after care to be carried out by Harrow Child
Care Officers for 16 children.
The parents advisory clinic is continuing to prove a great support.
Of the 31 cases referred, it was not necessary for any child to be brought
before the court during this period. Dr. Tonnesmann was also able to fit
in seminars for the staffs of the combined department—which is proving
very useful.