View report page

36
This all male centre carries out a wide range of industrial work as part of the
overall training programme, and caters for mentally subnormal men and boys over
the age of 16 years from this and three adjoining Boroughs. The women and girls
in this category have continued their attendance at centres in neighbouring
Boroughs, but it is planned to provide facilities for both sexes in a mixed centre
in Lambeth as soon as possible.
Under a similar agreement, mentally subnormal children attend centres in
three neighbouring Boroughs pending the provision of a junior training centre
which is planned for Lambeth. Special care unit facilities for children with
multiple handicaps will also be provided in the same premises.
Other Services for the Mentally Subnormal
A home teacher visits a small number of children in their own homes who are
unable to attend an ordinary training centre, and she is continuing this work with
similar children in other Boroughs who were previously her responsibility under
the County Authority.
In order to meet the needs of children under the age of 5 years for whom there
are insufficient places in existing training centres, a number of mentally subnormal
children have been accommodated in ordinary day nurseries. At the same time
adaptations have been progressing in one nursery which will provide a special
nursery unit for a number of such children, who will later progress to a junior
training centre.
Special advisory clinics are available for the under 5 age group, where a
specially qualified medical officer is available for advice and consultation in
connection with the care and training of the mentally handicapped child.
Day Centres tor the Me nt ally III
Day centres for the mentally ill are available in a neighbouring Borough. A
number of Lambeth residents attend these and, in addition, others attend similar
centres administered by the Institute of Social Psychiatry.
Residential Care
In the absence of residential accommodation administered by the Borough,
financial responsibility is accepted on behalf of Lambeth patients placed in homes
and hostels provided by other local authorities and voluntary bodies, and those
boarded out in private households. Placements are made for short-term care to
afford temporary relief to the family, for the rehabilitation of those discharged
from psychiatric hospitals, or for the long-term care of those needing a supportive
residential environment but who are not in need of medical or nursing care.