CHILD GUIDANCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 196, 20 July 1937, Page 2

CHILD GUIDANCE.

WORK OF CLINICS ABROAD. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON. July 20. The work done in child guidance clinics in England, America and elsewhere was described in a New Education Fellowship address to-day by Dr Susan Isaacs. The clinics dealt with children who were backward and stupid for other reasons than inherent mental defects, she said. They were educational in their outlook and the whole object, was to make them an integral part of the educational work of the community.

Every child referred to the cl in id was brought to the notice of a doctor wlio was also a psychologist, an academic psychologist and a social worker. The social worker was an essential link with the environment of the children who came under the care of the clinic. From 15 to 20 per cent, of the school population would probably benefit from some attention by the clinics and probably from two to five per cent, would require clinical treatment. Tt was estimated that 30 per cent, of the children attending the clinics had been completely relieved of their troubles and only" ten per cent, had been definite failures. The clinics were expensive to run, but it was estimated that if _ seven children passing through the clinic each year were relieved of their difficulties the clinic would be justified financi* ally.

Dr Isaacs warned against voluntary workers in clinics. It was essential that those ip charge should be highly trained specialists.