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'Mental deficiency' was an obsession for many medical experts, social reformers and psychologists. Some experts considered mental deficiency was inherited and sufferers should be institutionalised, while others argued specialist education could help. The head of the New South Wales State Children's Relief Department, Dr C.K. Mackellar, was a national authority on the subject and, after touring European, English and American institutions in 1912, wrote an influential report. His Department created a number of specialized institutions for 'mental defectives', including May Villa for boys and Brush Farm for girls, as well as cottages at Mittagong and Raymond Terrace.
The belief in 'mental deficiency' resulted in the abuse of the rights of many people who, if 'diagnosed' as mentally defective' could be institutionalised for lengthy periods. However, the idea that 'mental defectives' could be helped led to the development of special education, supported accommodation and other initiatives that were, at least, kinder than previous methods.
