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parents can be traced. All this procedure inevitably means delay;
in one case within recent months, the foster-mother disappeared
in the interval of enquiry, taking the child with her. She was
traced in another Borough after several weeks had elapsed, and
then only after exhaustive enquiry.
Again, registration was cancelled in a recent case owing to
the fact that the foster-mother persistently refused to conform to
the rules laid down by the Council; in the interval which elapsed
the mother removed the child (who was an illegitimate child),
leaving no address, hence it has been impossible to trace this particular
case.
Method adopted in visiting.
The Health Visitor makes the necessary detailed enquiry immediately
on receipt of the application from a woman for registration.
She informs the foster-mother of the rules of the Council,
amongst which a separate cot or bed for the child, also a fireguard,
must be provided, and it is the duty of the Health Visitor
to see that such rules are complied with. A foster-mother with
a young child must attend an Infant Welfare Centre regularly.
Where registration has been sanctioned the Health Visitor must
visit, and keep a record of her visit, as a minimum every two
months.
Reference is made in every case of application to the Tuberculosis
register, in order to prevent a young child being accepted
into a home where such infection exists : it is also a rule that the
foster-mother is allowed to have one foster-child only.
During the year 1931:—
Number of applications for registration as foster-mothers 45
Number of applications passed by the Council 36
Number of applications refused by the Council 4
Number of applications withdrawn 5
Number of visits paid to the Homes by the Health Visitor:
(a) First visits 45
(b) Total visits 473
160