View report page

13
MENTAL DEFECTIVES.
Work of the Voluntary Association
1. The Voluntary Association has continued to carry out for
the Council (a) the supervision of such defectives in the
Borough as are subject to be dealt with under the Mental Deficiency
Act, 1913; (b) the ascertainment of new cases requiring
statutory action; and (c) special investigations and reports required
by the Council for the Board of Control in respect of defectives
in institutions to be examined by visiting justices, defectives discharged
from Institutional care or on leave of absence therefrom,
etc.
2. The training centre, for "ineducable" young defectives
and those over school age (i.e., 16 years) was held regularly
throughout the year on three afternoons a week. The average
attendance was 9. The boys had grown so big that it was thought
best to draft those over 14 years of age to a separate handicraft
class. The Association put forward a scheme and the Council
made a grant. The Board of Control also approved the scheme
and allocated a small sum direct towards its support, in addition
to reimbursing the Council to the extent of one-half their expenditure.
The boys' centre was started in January, 1924.
A great deal of spade work had been done for several previous
months. The centre is held every morning except Saturday at
St. Barnabas' Church Room, which is most kindly put at the disposal
of the Association for a nominal sum. Raffia work of
various kinds is taught, in addition to cobbling, rug making,
basket work, etc.
In June, 1923, the Board of Control issued a circular (No.
619) to all local authorities encouraging occupation centres in
urban districts and promising support. It is thus evident that
these centres for defectives are now to take permanent place in
the organisation of work for defectives.
Case Work.
On 31st December, 1923, there were:—
(1) Under statutory supervision 43
(2) Under voluntary care 52