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The main points that came out of discussion were the question of an
early warning system, the machinery for removing a vulnerable child to a
place of safety and the arrangements for ensuring that the family could
have support and guidance in the future. The meeting was also helpful in
evolving the teamwork structure necessary to deal with the cases of
battering presenting difficulty either in the community or in the hospital.
It was thought that the keeping of a central register of vulnerable families
might be a worthwhile exercise and also that the group could have a
continuing function in reviewing the local situation from time to time.
It is interesting to note that, following this meeting, two cases came to
light and the agreed machinery was successfully put in motion for the
protection of the child and the follow up rehabilitation of the family.
Care of the Unsupported Mother and her Child
Once again there was a drop in the number of total applications
during 1970 but there was a marked increase in the number of very
young mothers. There were 35 applicants seeking help and advice in 1970
as against 64 in 1969. Of the 35, 15 were under 18 years at the time of
referral.
The post of medical social worker is shared with the London Borough
of Brent and she deals with referrals from many quarters including
medical social workers at local hospitals, general practitioners and
voluntary societies.
The duties of a medical social worker include counselling and advice,
hostel placement before and after delivery, fostering and adoption, aftercare
of the mother and child. The one voluntary Mother and Baby Home
in the area was closed in June 1970 and now all mothers seeking Mother
and Baby Home accommodation are found hostel places outside the
Borough.
The trend for mothers to keep their babies continued during 1970 and
the main problem these mothers faced was that of accommodation as it is
especially difficult for an unsupported mother to find suitable accommodation
for herself and her child.
The 35 applications were dealt with in the following way
Admitted to Mother and Baby Home 18
Kept baby and made own arrangements on leaving
hospital 6
Cancelled applications 2
Fostered from Hospital pending adoption 7
Mother arranged private adoption 1
Moved out of the area 1
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