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An experimental information and resource centre on handicap in children for the use of staff in the health, social and educational services was set up in an area of London serving four adjacent boroughs. As a first step, a questionnaire was widely distributed to potential users of the centre asking for information about their work, training and recent reading in this subject. Of 192 replies, those from health visitors, medical officiers, teachers and therapists are analysed. Lack of adequate training, both at basic and post-qualification level, as well as a failure to keep up to date with specialized journals, encouraged the establishment of the resource centre, which also planned to provide a course of lectures and seminars. The nature of the material collected is briefly described.

An experimental resource centre on handicap for professional workers in four London boroughs as well advertised through all the relevant social, health and education departments. It provided a wide range of reference and display material as well as a programme of 20 lectures from experts with different backgrounds. The response to the centre by the various professions is reported, both in respect of visits to use its resources and of attendance at seminars and lectures. The response was disappointing, particularly from social workers and teachers. The centre had to close from lack of support after one year. Possible causes for the lack of response are discussed, and suggestions are made as to how the quality of the service given to handicapped children and their families can be improved.