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learning to understand each other's points of view, and
to co-ordinate the help given to children and parents.
Meetings were also arranged with School Medical
Officers and Health Visitors, and it is pleasing to note
that Health Visitors are regularly attending our Conferences
and working closely with us.
The diagnostic waiting list has been reduced considerably,
and it is possible to see new referrals much
sooner than before, There is still a delay with regard to
the provision of more intensive treatment, and it is
intended to reduce this by providing group treatment.
We have been considering ways in which we can
extend our activities during the next year. It is hoped to
provide at least one evening session for diagnosis and
treatment. This will be of particular benefit to children
who have left school and need to continue treatment here,
and also to allow selected children to attend out of
school time. Most of our cases are still referred from
School Medical Officers, but we do have an increasing
number from general practitioners, who, in some instances
are able to attend our Conferences.
One disturbing note is the continued lack of facilities
in the area for the admission of disturbed children and
adolescents to suitable Units for observation and treatment.
Many other areas have provided such Units but
they are only available to us in exceptional circumstances.
Some interim measures are urgently required pending more
permanent provisions in the remote future.
In summing up I would say that while we are mainly
occupied with the treatment and supervision of children
referred to us we are increasingly concerned with
""proving our contact and communication with all people
who are interested in the Welfare of children with the
particular aim of helping to prevent the development of
established nervous disorders.
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