When a child is removed, by law, from his parents or his home for whatever cause—neglect, desertion, delinquency, etc.—there is the feeling that the child should have a thorough social and psychological study in order that his future treatment will be in line with his individual needs. During the war years the Mersham Reception Centre was a place in England where children were remanded by the Kent County Council for study before being sent to their homes.
The time spent at the Centre, usually from three to six weeks, gave the staff an opportunity to study the child and to make recommendations for the best type of home.
The Centre continued in operation from 1944 to 1951, during which time 500 children were admitted. After the closing of the Centre, the committee in charge decided that valuable information could be obtained by studying the records for the seven operating years