Times changed and as the unmarried teenage mother became more acceptable, the need for residential care declined.  However, a new need was realised, which was for some form of caring environment for new single mums.  This was established and for some years it operated on that basis.
In the late 70s it was established that there was a need to have a refuge for families trying to get away from violent partners.  'Battered wives' was a term very much in use at that time.  Responding to the needs of the community and the Housing Department, Lyncroft became a refuge for families escaping domestic violence.
Lyncroft House is now a residential Family Centre accommodating a maximum of 10 mothers and 26 children, who have all suffered domestic violence.  Our immediate aim is to provide safe accommodation and support during a time of transition and crisis.  Emphasis is then given to a long-term plan, and we offer continual interest and support, after rehousing by the Local Authority, if requested.  There is considerable liaison with other agencies on behalf of the families, eg DSS, Housing, School, and we will often accompany mothers on any particularly stressful visits to court or hospital etc.
Each family has a key worker who is the main point of contact, but all are familiar to some degree with residents' needs.  A great deal of informal counselling takes place, and special in-depth sessions can be arranged.  We hope to develop this area even more, particularly with a view to helping families make plans and set goals for the future.  Regular visits from Housing Placement Officers and Health Visitors help in these matters.
The spiritual welfare of mothers and children is obviously a priority and weekly prayers are held on Thursday evenings.  It must be pointed out that the families do not have to be regular churchgoers, nor do they have to be of Christian origins.  Lyncroft House will care for any mother and child of any religion.
Recent police figures revealed that domestic violence has more than doubled in the West Midlands.  Last year there were 29,231 domestic violence cases in the region, a near 28% rise on 1999.  Over the Christmas holiday there were 654 cases - 138 on Christmas Day alone, and more than double that expected during an average five-day period.