ABSTRACT
An initial function was to provide one part of a multi-disciplinary assessment by working with the child in the art and play therapy room. This took place in individual sessions; in a mixed ‘family’ age group; in a peer group; or in the natural family group if at the Centre with siblings. One could see how children were able to respond to a non-directive structure (Axline 1947; Rubin 1978; Stott and Males 1984); if they could make representations of their inner world, work symbolically, and had capacity for insight. Recommendations could be made for further therapy and a report passed on to the child’s future permanent placement. In the material produced it was possible to see which of many past traumas and/or factors in the present situation were affecting the child and for them to express their preoccupations and feelings.
