An innovation in an undergraduate paediatric teaching programme.

: The reasons for removal of children into care and the effects of institutionalization are described. Medical students were attached to children's institutions and played various roles in befriending individual children, caring for groups of children, undertaking health education, and monitoring growth and development. The majority of students became committed to assisting the children and, simultaneously, the learning objectives were fulfilled. The programme has potential as a learning experience and a community service.