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ASCERTAINMENT.
The number of mental defectives ascertained during the year was 36 - (23 males and
13 females). This number includes 24 cases (16 males and 8 females) which were reported by
the Local Education Authority. Of the new cases 9 were admitted to institutions, 23 were
placed under statutory supervision, and 4 no action had been taken at the end of the year.
In addition to the foregoing, 8 cases were examined and placed under voluntary supervision.
SUPERVISION.
At the end of the year there were 251 (131 males and 120 females) under statutory
supervision, and 54 cases (32 males and 22 females) under friendly supervision. In addition
there were 17 patients on licence from institutions who were supervised by the Council's
officers.
All these cases are visited at varying intervals by the Duly Authorised Officers
according to the circumstances of the individual case. Special cases are referred to the
Psychiatric Social Worker.
Parents are advised as to the best method of caring for the defectives, and endeavours
are made to assist the patient in every possible way. It is remarkable how well many cases
respond to the assistance given. This work would be greatly enhanced if there was an Occupation
Centre at which selected patients could attend for training. It is hoped that this
need will be met in the early part of next year.
GUARDIANSHIP.
At the end of the year there were four defectives (1 male and 3 females), under
guardianship. Of this number only one was in the care of relatives; 2 were supervised by
the National Association for Mental Health and the other was supervised by the local authority
in which she resided.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948, SECTION 47.
No circumstances arose in which it was deemed necessary to take action under this
Section.
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