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Licence.
The system of granting leave of absence on trial from institutions
provides a means of judging a defective's capability of
living away from institutional routine and discipline. It is a fairly
safe way of giving him an opportunity of showing whether he is
able to fit in with the outside world.
There are 20 West Ham defectives on licence from institutions,
some in the care of guardians and the others with their
parents. Of these, five have obtained regular employment and
are doing extremely well. One has been employed at a local
hospital as a maid since September, 1931, and another regularly
employed since October, 1934. The others, while not in regular
work, are quite happy, giving no cause for anxiety. Of the
13 cases who were granted licence during the year only two
(1 male and 1 female) had to be recalled; the male after five
months and the female after four months. Both of them became
unsettled at home, and it was deemed advisable for them to return
to the institution.
South Ockendon Colony.
The Matron Superintendent (Miss W. S. Butler) reports:—
The number of patients on the books is 142, of which
59 are males over 16 years.
36 are females over 16 years.
30 are males under 16 years.
17 are females under 16 years.
Rowans (Male Block, 44 beds) has a total of 59 patients, all
over 16 years. Seven of this total are on licence, and, owing to
lack of space, eight sleep in Limes at night.
These patients are classified into two groups, viz. 31 high
grade, 28 low grade.
Limes (Boys' Block, 50 beds) has a total of thirty patients,
all under 16 years. Three of this total are on licence.
Elms (Girls' Block, 50 beds) has a total of 53 patients, 36
over 16 years and 17 under 16 years. Two of this total are on
licence.
The patients in Limes and Elms are graded into three groups
irrespective of age.
Movements. These were as follows:—
Admissions: 6 males 1 Female
Discharges: 1 Female
Deaths: 1 male at Whipps Cross Hospital
One male is at present on licence at the West Ham Sanatorium,
Dagenham, suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis.
One male patient is on licence at Forest Gate Hospital owing
to physical deterioration.
Leave was granted as follows:—
Summer holidays 31
Christmas holidays 39
Forty-eight hours 6
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