§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what progress his Department has made in resolving the problem of cash support for the dependent children resident with their mothers in Crowley House Probation Home in Birmingham; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what progress his Department has made in providing cash support for the dependent children resident with their mothers in Crowley House Probation Home in Birmingham; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he is satisfied with arrangements for the children of residents of Crowley House Probation Home, Birmingham; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he is satisfied with arrangements for making grants in respect of children of residents of Crowley House Probation Home, Birmingham; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JohnCrowley House, which was opened by the West Midlands Probation and After-Care Committee on 1st February 1977, is the first probation home to cater for mother accompanied by young children, and is still in an early stage of development. Following a recent visit by a Home Office probation inspector, I106W understand that some further developments in the social training of the mothers and the care of the children are under consideration.
The Probation and After-Care Committee is authorised to meet all expenses necessary for the care and maintenance of the mothers and children at Crowley House and to make, in addition, a pocket money allowance of £3.80 a week to mothers who are not in employment. Eligibility for social security benefits will depend on the fulfilment of the conditions attaching to the benefit claimed, but I understand that the mothers are in receipt of child allowances. I am considering whether any additional pocket money allowance should be made in respect of the children.