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51
Because many of the problems involve difficulties with finance, the
team spend a lot of time negotiating with the Gas and Electricity
Boards, hire purchase firms and other creditors - co-operation from
these agencies is remarkably good and greatly appreciated.
In general it is felt that it is in the best long term
interest of the families if arrangements can be made for them to
clear their debts by making small regular payments, if necessary
collected by the social worker, rather than receiving grants. It
is felt that in this way they learn to accept at least to some degree
responsibility for their own actions and to feel a sense of
achievement and self respect. They are usually very willing to
accept this form of solution and in the main are not the 'shiftless'
individuals that the term 'problem family' conveys.
There are times, however, due to either the pressure from
outside, overwhelming difficulties or the need for recognition of the
efforts already made by the family, that it is necessary to raise
grants. The family casework team are grateful for the help they
have received in this way from both local and national agencies. We
are also grateful to the local officers of the Department of Health
and Social Security for their co-operation in making grants for special
need when relevant.
At Christmas a box of toys was donated by Beverley Boys'
School. With these and with money donated by the staff of the health
and welfare department a small gift was provided for all the children
whom it was felt would be unlikely to receive a present from any other
source. The team very much appreciated the kindness both of their
colleagues in other sections and the boys of the school and would like
to take this opportunity to express their thanks.
Tuberculosis
The measures for the prevention, control and treatment of
tuberculosis are directed by the chest physicians and staff of the chest
clinic at Kingston Hospital.
During 1968, 39 cases were notified in the borough and of
these, 35 were pulmonary and 4 non-pulmonary.