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The Council during the year also decided that where at any time the
number of infants under the age of nine years who are kept in a house exceeds
one the following conditions shall be observed:—
(a) that each foster child be provided with a separate bed or cot;
(b) that each foster child be provided with separate or sufficient
perambulator accommodation ;
(c) that each foster child under six months be weighed not less
frequently than once a fortnight and the weights recorded,
and that each foster child over six months and under one
year be weighed not less frequently than once a month,
and the weights recorded ;
(d) that weight record cards be kept available for inspection, if
so required, by the Infant Protection Visitor.
During last winter, as the result of three deaths (two of which occurred
in the previous year), a circular letter was sent to foster mothers in the district
pointing out the difficulties attaching to the proper care of a foster child, and
making suggestions with regard to medical or nursing supervision for both
the normal child and especially the child who appeared to be ailing. A leaflet
was also enclosed with the letter setting out under ten heads suggestions which
might be of help to a foster mother in the care of the child. Copies of the
circular letter and of the leaflet are sent to each new foster mother registered.
The number of visits paid to foster children by the infant protection visitor
greatly increased last year, and altogether it may be stated that the conditions
in which a foster child is allowed to remain are quite satisfactory.
Below are the statistical particulars for the year:—