§ Mr. Bostonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for making better provision for severely disturbed boys and girls in approved schools.
§ Mr. CallaghanJointly with my right hon. Friend die Minister of Health, I propose to develop a new range of child care establishments which will specialise in meeting these needs: they will combine many of the treatment possibilities of a school, a children's home and a hospital.
I also propose to develop improved facilities for intensive care within the approved schools, with special emphasis on the needs of severely disturbed girls.
Action is in hand to find suitable sites, to prepare detailed plans for the new facilities and to make arrangements for staff training. The local authority and professional associations will be consulted about these plans, both to secure the benefit of their knowledge and experience and to ensure that the new facilities are provided in harmony with the proposals in the White Paper "Children in Trouble".