ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the family’s contacts with the personal social services. In parts of the survey area an increase in the number of social workers would undoubtedly increase the amount of successful prevention. A family threatened with the loss of its home may refer the matter to the local housing authority, and then the family may be placed on the housing waiting-list. The Children’s Department refused a guarantee on the grounds that rent payments were being handled by the Supplementary Benefits Commission. The chapter provides some basic information about the use made of temporary accommodation, and the results of questions to families about their attitudes to hostels. The use of rent guarantees, payment of debts and other forms of material aid may be backed up by social work support. The voluntary services met resistance when the advice they offered involved referring clients to a statutory official, particularly to the rent officer.
