this story made me feel quite sad
are things better in places like that now?
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 12 May 2010, 21:58, 2 replies)

Things are completely different now
what with all the human rights stuff.

Back then, the patients were bathed side by side in rows of baths, and the bogs didn't even have stalls - think of the lavvies in Full Metal Jacket. Their clothes were all kept together in a big cupboard and staff just pulled out any old outfit for them to wear each day.

These days, people with severe learning difficulties are looked after with dignity.
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Wed 12 May 2010, 23:03, closed)

There's the odd horror story
but there are independent bodies to keep a close eye on things. It's big business too. Depending on his background and behaviour, in terms of potential risk to the public, our young nipple-savaging friend might now be sequestered in a medium-secure facility at a cost of a quarter of a million a year...
(Happybara The jungle came alive and took him, Thu 13 May 2010, 10:35, closed)