80. 23.01.68 Visit by Child Care Officer to Mother on 22.01.68.

The mother’s plans for moving are still rather vague as she is waiting for her sister to sell her present house. As soon as this is done, the move to Wiltshire can be made.

The mother has become tired of waiting and wondered whether to act independently of her sister, but has done nothing really about this. Her own mother is still in hospital on account of her fractured leg, but has also been on the danger list, apparently having had heart trouble.

The mother said that after the Christmas holidays Philip had resisted going back to Harpenden. This is the first time it had happened. He also admitted to be worried about many things, but felt better after visiting his grandmother in hospital.

The mother had wondered whether she should keep him at home, as she is free to care for him, but did not do so.

Because she did not wish him to have another school, and  she does not know if her landlord would give permission to have Philip home, especially as she should herself, really have left the flat by now.

The mother said that she does not find Philip too difficult to manage apart from his inability to concentrate, and his tempers. She is worried about his school progress, and would be willing to take him to the Clinic once she is settled in Wiltshire. 

I had previously seen Philip at Harpenden on the 16th January 1968. The Houseparent had reported that his behaviour was very difficult and he seemed very resentful of authority.

I had spoken to Philip briefly, mentioning the fact that his mother was making plans to move and would have him as soon as possible. It is difficult to know how many of his problems may be associated with a wish to return to his mother, and how many are much more long-standing difficulties.  

MY ANSWER. There were reports from the Houseparent that my behaviour was very difficult in December but during November, there had been the mention that I was more settled and less aggressive.

I was told before Christmas that there might be a chance I would be moving to a different school and the possibility I would be moved to a different Home; this had apparently been suggested from the results of the tests. Knowing my mother would soon have to leave the London flat, I think a few things seemed to be going wrong around me. Little was actually explained to me about the various possibilities of my future; all that was ever said was that I should wait and see, which had me feeling even more unsettled and apt to cause problems.  

81. 24.01.68 Letter to Governor of NCH Harpenden from the Mother.

When we returned on Sunday evening last, I mentioned to the Houseparent that my sister and her husband would be coming from Harpenden to London on Saturday to visit my mother in hospital, and would, if convenient collect Philip and bring him to London and I would return with him on Sunday evening letting you know as soon as I had arranged the time etc, it would be Saturday 3rd February at 12.15pm, they will give him lunch at their home.

I had a visit from The Child Care Officer on Monday and was very distressed to hear Philip was causing so much trouble to his Houseparent and everyone else. I will of course remove him at half term or before if you think it necessary.

As this situation has arisen, I have decided to abandon my family’s problems and strike out alone. At the moment I am negotiating a position as housekeeper in Tenby, in South Wales on the sea front, it sounds most suitable.

I am so very sorry Philip’s stay at Highfield has had to end like this, until two months or so ago he seemed so happy and much more reasonable.

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Continued

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