Abstract
In a brief historical review the author draws a parallel between the evolution of services to the mentally ill and those to the mentally retarded; some interrelationships are underlined.
The rapid development of facilities for the mentally retarded in Canada during the past decade was due to the vigorous action of Parents' Associations, and to the initiative of several departments within each Provincial Government. The lack of co-ordination of programs within the government departments themselves, as well as between private and governmental agencies, is emphasized and illustrated.
Reference is made to several existing models of co-ordinating bodies functioning in other countries. Finally a proposed scheme of co-ordination, at the level of a Province, is described in detail.