MENTAL RETARDATION AND THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH AMENDMENTS OF 1963

IT IS A little over a year since a Panel appointed by the President published its report entitled "A Proposed Program for National Action to Combat Mental Retardation." In preparation for the report, members of the Panel discussed mental retardation in its broadest aspects with thousands of people in this country and abroad. Over 90 recommendations for action were made including recommendations for federal legislation. The enactment in October, 1963, of Public Law 88-156, "The Maternal and Child Health and Mental Retardation Planning Amendments of 1963" will make it possible for the Children's Bureau to carry out some of the major recommendations of the President's Panel.