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I he duration of residence has been somewhat higher than in
the previous year. The period of treatment depends not only on
the condition of the child, but it is essential that the home conditions
should be considered before discharge. To send a child home
to unsuitable surroundings not only does away with any benefit
gained, but it is bound to bring about a very detrimental re-action.
As the years go by since the opening of the Institution one
becomes more and more impressed with the highly satisfactory
results that can be obtained. The treatment in children is as
encouraging as it is discouraging in adults. There are a large
number of factors which contribute to this, and not the least the
amenability of the children to treatment; even in a few cases
should the child be home-sick for a few days, it is all forgotten
soon, and they settle down to a really happy and contented existence.
The adult often has many home cares and worries to think
about, while the youth and younger girl have already reached a
period in their life where their ideas and habits are difficult to
change, and to plan a different outlook for them is often impossible.
One can scarcely imagine anything more disappointing or
sad than to see a child who has responded magnificently to treatment,
looking well, with its life before it, discharged to an unsuitable
home, sooner or later to break down and enter an adult Sanatorium,
when it is certain that with prolonged treatment or observation
in suitable surroundings they can eventually be fully
restored to health and live useful and successful lives. How is
this to be overcome ? I am convinced that it can be to a very large
extent.
It is recognised that very useful work is done in Colonies for
adults, and with the material to hand in cases among children a
still more hopeful plan is available.
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