Editorial THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES' PART

November 1st is the official day for the bulk of the Mental Health Act to come into force, though some of its provisions have, of course, already done so. What is so glaringly obvious as to be easily forgotten is that practical benefits it confers will depend on the capacity of ail responsible to put the paper recommendations into practice. The most farseeing proposals concern the part to be played in aftercare and in prevention by the local authorities of the country, for the emphasis is now on keeping people out of hospitals rather than on treating them better in them; although the Act will also help towards the latter. Consequently the plans which local health the

authorities have put forward on instructions from the Minister deserve a great deal of attention : these again are, of course, only plans, but they do outline the changes each authority intends to make. It is possible, therefore, to get an indication of some progress which can be expected. In view of its

importance, we are devoting a special issue to we have attempted to and subject; compare the proposals actually made with advances regarded as theoretically desirable and outlined in a comprehensive article which Dr. Freeman has been invited to write. the

It would be foolish to expect all authorities to achieve this in

field, and one would be satisfied if each were moving forward in whatever part of the field seems most urgent locallyCertain authorities are doing so: which is wise enough if we remember that they are short of money, short of trained staff and short, too, of experience in the field?and a point easy for mental health experts to forget?that they have other responsibilities in the field of physical health. every

On the other hand, it appears from a study of the proposals submitted that the majority of authorities are not going even so far. Vague phrases abound in many proposals, and qualifications surround any schemes put forward. Few attempt to assess what more will be required in staff, in training and in expense, and they give little sign of having been compiled by any group of forward looking experts. We must hope that they are reserving their time and energies to put them into practical work. 82

The Local Authorities' Part.

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