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the child. It would be a great help if a hostel for maladjusted
children were available in the Borough. This would serve for
purposes of short-term observation as well as for long-term
residence.
In conclusion, it must be emphasised that "child
guidance" can help materially in the development of a happy
and healthy generation of children. It can contribute to the
prevention of mental ill-health in adults as well as the prevention
of delinquency and anti-social behaviour in children. Child
guidance requires the co-operation of all who are concerned
with young children—parents, teachers, doctors and magistrates.
A great deal is yet to be learnt concerning child psychology, and
sound scientific treatment can only be founded on careful observation
and investigation. Child guidance as a technique is young.
It is still "fluid," and there is no finality about its methods.
We have made considerable progress, promising progress, in
the field of child guidance in West Ham, and it is reasonably
anticipated that such progress will be consolidated and extended
in the near future.
STAFF: Psychiatrists: Dr. Somerville (Medical Director);
Dr. Matheson; Dr. Riordan; Dr. Glancy (since July, 1947);
Dr. Dodds (since September, 1947). Psychologist: Miss
Stephen. Psychiatric Social Worker: Miss Roubicek.
STATISTICS.
Interviews at Clinic—
Psychiatric Interviews 465
Psychologist 421
Tests 95
Coaching 152
Play Group 174
Psychiatric Social Worker 448
Interviews outside the Clinic—
School Visits by Psychologist 18
School Visits by Psychiatric Social Worker 30
Home Visits by Psychiatric Social Worker 52
Cases carried over from previous years 43
Cases newly referred to Clinic 127
Total 170
Disposal:
Never attended 2
Attended for testing only (further appointments
not kept) 3
Diagnosis and advice only (treatment found
not to be necessary or not possible for
various reasons) 16
82