Boarding-out the insane, 1857-1913 : a study of the Scottish system
The pioneering policy of boarding-out harmless, chronic insane patients in the community was implemented formally by the Scottish Board of Lunacy in 1858, following the passage of the Lunacy (Scotland) Act, 1857. Up to 25% of registered pauper and private patients were boarded-out under the terms of this Act. Despite the innovative nature of the system, the number of patients involved and its marked impact on Scottish lunacy administration, the policy has received little systematic attention this century. This study undertakes, therefore, a detailed assessment of the nature of boarding-out, the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, the status, role and responsibilities of guardians, and the extent and effect of official supervision. The system was endorsed firmly by the Scottish Commissioners in Lunacy, who advocated its widespread adoption throughout the country. However, despite official encouragement, boarding-out came under sustained attack from certain medical and parish officials and from the general public. Facilitated by extensive recourse to contemporary medical journals, official lunacy reports and parish records, this study assesses the beneficial aspects of the system, and in addition
Sturdy, Harriet C. G.
HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform ; R Medicine (General)
Boarding-out the insane, 1857-1913 : a study of the Scottish system. The pioneering policy of boarding-out harmless, chronic insane patients in the community was implemented formally by the Scottish Board of Lunacy in 1858, following the passage of the Lunacy (Scotland) Act, 1857. Up to 25% of registered pauper and private patients were boarded-out under the terms of this Act. Despite the innovative nature of the system, the number of patients involved and its marked impact on Scottish lunacy administration, the policy has received little systematic attention this century. This study undertakes, therefore, a detailed assessment of the nature of boarding-out, the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, the status, role and responsibilities of guardians, and the extent and effect of official supervision. The system was endorsed firmly by the Scottish Commissioners in Lunacy, who advocated its widespread adoption throughout the country. However, despite official encouragement, boarding-out came under sustained attack from certain medical and parish officials and from the general public. Facilitated by extensive recourse to contemporary medical journals, official lunacy reports and parish records, this study assesses the beneficial aspects of the system, and in addition
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