On Rearing Infants and Young Children in Institutions.

One of a series of reports on the findings of studies of child health and welfare services and of matters relevant to providing such services is presented. The primary purpose of the series is to promote the utilization of research findings by those who make policy and those who administer programs in the fields of child health and welfare. In the discussion, the major developmental needs of infants and young children were identified, and some of the problems in attempting to meet those needs through residential group care were described. Some of the major developmental needs of all infants and children discussed in this report are: (1) affection from a person of emotional significance, (2) continuity of care by that person, (3) adequate perceptual and cognitive stimulation mediated by interested and loving human beings, (4) involvement in the world of adults, and (5) continuing help with the unavoidable problems implicit in emotional development. It was decided that institutions can be staffed and operated in such a way as to meet two of these needs: affectionate care and stimulating experiences. It was also agreed that institutional care should be regarded as a last resort, to be used only if adoption, foster family care, or satisfactory maintenance of the child in his own home cannot be arranged. (Author/CK)