Future for Intermediate Treatment. Report of the Intermediate Treatment Study Group

摘要

The concept of intermediate treatment is examined in this report of a study group formulated by the Personal Social Services Council. Historical and philosophical origins of the concept of intermediate treatment are discussed, and the role of intermediate treatment in the development of child care policies is considered. Various assumptions that have been made about the needs of young people in trouble or at risk and the influences of such assumptions upon what practitioners and policymakers consider to be the aims of intermediate treatment and processes by which these aims can be achieved are examined. A descriptive summary of the information received from persons developing intermediate treatment concepts in England and Wales is presented. Significant issues in intermediate treatment are explored, including legal and contractual, assessment and evaluation, intervention, interagency provision, liaison and cooperation, management and resource, and manpower and training issues. Recommendations are made to stimulate the increased provision of intermediate treatment for children. Information on parameters of group work practice related to intermediate treatment is appended. A bibliography is provided.