DISCUSSIONS at the summer school of the Guild of Catholic Professional Workers at Oxford last week revealed that "a state of emergency " has arisen owing to the lack of Catholic foster homes.
There must be a great drive for these homes, it was shown; otherwise Catholic children will undoubtedly be placed by local authorities in non-Catholic foster homes in preference to big Catholic institutions.
It was felt that if the situation were fully appreciated, many Catholic families would gladly open their hearts and homes to little children whose Faith may be endangered. and see in this a chance to take an active part in the lay apostolate.
"The Child deprived of Normal Life " was the main theme of the summer school, held at the Holy Child Convent. Social workers from many parts of the country attended.
Deprived children
Speakers included the Rev. Dr. Dermot Fogarty, of St. John's Seminary, Wonersh, Canon Bennett, administrator of the Liverpool Catholic Rescue Society, Mother Mary Louis, of the Holy Child Convent, Cavendish Square, London-organiser of the first training course to be recognised by the Home Office for those working in children's homes: Sister Marie Hilda, founder and director of the Notre Dame Child Guidance Clinic, Glasgow, and Lady Margaret Kerr, of the Catholic Inquiry and Social Services Office, Edinburgh.