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In Need Of Care

1958 , Essex (County)

Cat no. 385

The work of the Children's Department of Essex County Council.

The work of the Children's Department of Essex County Council, is told as the story of a ten-year-old girl called Jenny. Jenny stands outside a small terraced house by a railway line. The commentary explains that her father is dead and that her mother hasn't been seen for a long time; to Jenny, she is dead also. Jenny is looked after by Aunt Amy, her mother's sister. Aunt Amy has four children and an invalid husband, therefore has to work to feed them all. She hasn't much time for Jenny, who is lonely and unhappy. Jenny wanders off for the day - as she often does. She is brought home by the police and a social worker. In a doorstep conversation, the social worker asks Aunt Amy questions about Jenny and her home. She is eventually invited in. Officials from the Children's Department are seen discussing Jenny's case. They decide that she should be taken into care and placed in children's home. The social worker leaves County Hall and collects Jenny. She takes her by car to the home, a large house in the countryside. Jenny is introduced to the matron. The film traces her first few weeks at the children's home, from the first evening when she was too frightened to take tea with the other children to her gradually settling down and taking part in the life of the home.

Featured Buildings

Essex County Hall, Chelmsford

Keywords

Child care; Children's homes; Local authorities; Social workers

Other Places

Chelmsford

Background Information

Although not mentioned in the film, the children's home is believed to be in Chelmsford.

Manifestations

In Need Of Care

Copyright restrictions apply.

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