Abstract

The introduction states first of all that the purpose of the Doréa Institute is the training of children entrusted to its care. Later, the establishment of a Follow-up Centre was provided to give to young retardates the care which will facilitate their integration into society. Finally, a Social Service was set up to play a very important role with the child, the family and also with the Institution's specialists. The Social Service is also active outside the Institution as the mental retardate, remaining a weak subject in spite of the complete training he has received, needs to feel secure with people he has known while in the Institution and for that reason, a Follow-up Centre was organized in Montreal.

The Follow-up Service then organized a “Home and School” Centre where young people may talk about their experiences and their problems. During one year, the last-year students of the Doréa Institute spend some time in a small industry to acquire the real experience in a work environment.

Everyone works, under the direction of a psychiatrist towards the orientation of former students. As there is a shortage of professional Social Workers, we have, with the help of resourceful people in society, set up three voluntary services. Such services are: (1) an Employment Committee; (2) a Parents' Committee and (3) an Education and Recreation Committee.