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151
Child Guidance
During the past year the work of the clinic has become
increasingly orientated towards the diagnosis and treatment not only
of the child, but also of other family members. The concept of
family dynamics has led in turn to increasing links with other agencies
such as the Probation Service, Children's Department and Education
Welfare Services. Consultation and case work seminars have been
successfully instigated with groups of workers from these allied fields.
Although most of the patients are referred via the School
Psychological Service or are self-referred, involvement with the
general practitioner is sought wherever possible to provide the continuity
of care which each patient needs.
The number of cases referred annually remains roughly constant,
but refined techniques for the selection of cases suitable for treatment
and increasing flexibility in the work of staff members have resulted
in a considerable reduction in the number of patients on the waiting
lists for diagnosis and treatment. Initial interviews are undertaken
within a week of referral and final assessments and recommendations
within six weeks.
Recommendations for treatment are influenced to some extent
by the facilities available. There remains a need in the area for an
observation unit for children requiring more intensive investigation,
which may or may not involve residential care. The Paediatric Department
of Kingston Hospital have offered its co-operation in this area,
so that further developments may be expected.
The following table shows the work done during the year:
Caseload brought forward from 1965 172
Waiting list at December 1965 7 179
168 new cases were referred during 1966
by the following:
Court 12
School Health Service 53
Hospitals 4
Private practitioners 26
Child Guidance Clinics 1
Direct non-medical 72 168
Reasons:
Nervous disorders 6
Behaviour problems 119
Habit disorders 12