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ASCERTAINMENT. The number of mental defectives
ascertained as "subject to be dealt with" during the year was
30 (18 males and 12 females). Included in this number are 19
cases (12 males and 7 females) notified by the local education
authority. Of the new cases, 14 were recommended for institutional
care; 10 of these (7 males and 3 females) were admitted
to institutions; 2 were awaiting admission; and in 2 cases the
parents refused to allow their children to go away. The
remaining 16 cases were placed under statutory supervision.
In addition to the foregoing, 6 cases were investigated, 5
were not considered to be certifiable as mental defectivs, and 1
case left the area before the investigation was completed.
INSTITUTIONAL ACCOMMODATION. The number of
West Ham mental defectives detained in institutions under
Order at the end of the year was 361 (197 males and 164
females), but of these patients, 31 (18 males and 13 females)
were absent on licence. In addition, 53 patients, the majority
of whom are considered to be mental defectives, are in South
Ockendon Colony as in a "place of safety." Of these, 45 are
patients who were evacuated from Forest Gate Hospital and 8
who were evacuated from their homes owing to war-time
emergencies. These patients will be dealt with under the Mental
Deficiency Acts when circumstances permit.
During the year 25 defectives (17 males and 8 females) were
admitted to institutions, 24 under Order and 1 transferred from
guardianship. One of the cases (a male) was dealt with under
Section 8 of the Mental Deficiency Act 1913. In addition, one
Order was obtained in respect of a patient who had been dealt
with under Section 15.
DEATHS. Eleven defectives died during the year (6 males
and 5 females); 10 died in certified institutions and 1 West Ham
case died in Rampton State Institution.
SUPERVISION. At the end of the year there were 223
defectives (111 males and 112 females) under statutory supervision
and 19 cases (12 males and 7 females) under friendly
supervision. In addition, there were 39 patients (25 males and
14 females) on licence from institutions residing in the Borough.
All these cases are visited by the Visitor specially appointed
for this work at varying intervals, according to the circumstances
of the individual case. The parents or guardians are
advised as to the best methods of training and caring for the
patient, and endeavours are made to assist him in every possible
way. It is remarkable how well the majority respond to the
assistance given and welcome the visits which are paid. A large
number of the defectives at home are in fairly regular employment.
LICENCE. During the year 15 defectives (11 males and
4 females) were granted licence and 10 defectives (7 males and
3 females) who were on licence had to be recalled owing to
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