Reference
SS/CA3/1
Title
Houghton Lodge Observation and Assessment Centre, Ampthill
Admin/biog history
Children were sent to the Lodge if it was felt that their behaviour might benefit from a period away from the home environment. Whilst there, character and behaviour were monitored and observed in order to provide the social work team with sufficient information for them to decide the child's immediate future. Placement at the Lodge was seen as an opportunity to correct anti-social behaviour, wherever possible, due to the highly structured and caring regime. Education was provided at a school attached to the centre.
Scope and Content
The records consist of a number of elements, chief among which are case files and log entries. Case files comprise information such as: personal details (name, address, date of birth, description; reason for admission etc); social worker's report on the family composition; parental background; character of family members and of the subject; chronological history of the subject; teacher's reports from Houghton Lodge School; medical report; pen picture and observations during stay at Houghton Lodge; notes of family and/or case meetings; monthly assessments; school reports from previous years; previous case conference notes; Court Orders; indictments; solicitor's letters, reports to Juvenile Court etc. and other relevant material.
Level of description
sub-series