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The Central Association for Mental Welfare interests itself
in children of school age who are mentally defective, and also in
their after-school welfare.
(17) Blind, Deaf, Defective and Epileptic Children.
(a) The returns of these children are obtained from two
sources. The School Attendance Department has a complete list
of all out-of-school cases, and of those already placed in various
institutions. These cases are notified to the School Medical Officer
as they arrive, and are followed up by a Special Nurse. They
are also examined (by the Chief Assistant School Medical Officer)
to ascertain their fitness for school or otherwise. Some go back
to the Elementary Schools, many go to the Special Schools, but
the majority are found unfit for school.
The permanent "out-of-school cases" are provided with a
special card, and are vouched for from time to time by a Nurse
detailed for the purpose. Any changes in their condition justifying
re-examination are then brought to light.
Besides the above, an annual census is taken at the end of the
year of all exceptional children submitted by Head Teachers.
These are examined by the Medical Staff, and cases unfit for the
ordinary school are referred for further consideration.
(b) A Special Nurse is employed following up all mentally
defective children who are not in the schools. Briefly, all out of
school cases are periodically examined to ascertain their fitness
for the Special Schools, and followed up at home to urge any
treatment advised.
Two voluntary After-Care Committees sit to consider the
welfare of the children who have recently left the Special Schools.
The following reports have been received regarding children
who have left during the year:—
KNOX ROAD SPECIAL SCHOOL.
Physically Defective.
One at work with Cane and Wicker Ware Manufacturers.
One at work with Furrier.
One at Domestic work.
One in School for Blind.
One in Home for Epileptics.
One at Open Air School.
One in Children's Home.
One Removed from Area.
Two Unfit for School.
Six Returned to Ordinary School.
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