The readjustment of the emotional problems of childhood which show themselves in behaviour disorders and nervousness is a most important part of any mental health service. This involves not only the relief of the immediate situation, but also prevention of more serious symptoms which may appear in adult life.

It is now being realized that the war-time evacuation of children is increasing the urgency for dealing with these problems on a broader basis. A recent editorial in the British Medical Journal (1941) stressed the strain that wartime imposes upon children by the break-up of normal family life and the consequent loss of security. It emphasized that these problems are seen mainly in the evacuation areas and stated, “There is in this situation a very real danger that the seeds of neurosis will be sown in an increasing number of children.”

Increased welfare and social work can do much to improve the situation, but many children need further treatment. There is an urgent need for more centres where adequate treatment can be obtained for selected cases. This paper indicates the methods by which children can be treated satisfactorily in an ordinary psychotherapeutic out-patient department when a fully established Child Guidance Clinic is not available in the district.

Each child is given an intelligence test, and mental defectives are not accepted for treatment by these methods. Detailed history from the parents is supplemented by visits of the psychiatric social worker to the home and to the school. In mild cases readjustment of unsuitable environmental conditions will effect improvement, but in more severe cases other measures will also be necessary.