ABSTRACT

Conflicts between new and traditional ideas can be seen in many types of residential care, and in one area, the care of delinquents, these have recently led to the passing of a major piece of legislation, the Children and Young Persons Act 1969. This chapter discusses findings based on research which it is hoped will eventually be published in full. The results suggest some organisational characteristics of approved schools which could hinder the expression of this change in outlook. The emphasis on the importance of the organisation reflects a growing awareness that organisational characteristics have an important part to play in creating the patterns of behaviour and relationships which prevail between individuals. Although never integrated with other provision for state education, approved schools have nevertheless developed as educational institutions. The schools in which the research took place were in many respects diverse in character. All were approved schools for adolescent boys, but there were marked differences in regime.