The study was conducted to determine the current status and employment needs for therapeutic recreation personnel in selected agencies in the state of Texas. The study provided the first definitive information on therapeutic recreation manpower needs on a state-wide basis. The study determined the status of therapeutic recreation personnel and assisted in identifying projected training needs in the state of Texas. A survey was mailed to 114 Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and parks and recreation agencies. Information was requested concerning General Agency Information, Recreation Services, Current Employment, Current Therapeutic Recreation Personnel, Projected Employment and Bilingual Employees and Client information.

The National Industrial Recreation Association has recently created local Chapters to facilitate the needs of recreation professionals at the local level. The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to describe characteristics of the existing Chapters and compare their operational procedures; secondly, to determine problems and assess means for overcoming these problems in the establishment of Chapters. The data collection methodology choses for this study was a questionnaire. Results were tabulated in six question areas dealing with the operational procedures of Chapters and the barriers prohibiting the establishment of new Chapters. Through participation in Chapters, recreators can fulfill many of their own needs as well as contribute to the advancement of the industrial recreation profession.

The problem with which this study is concerned is the delineation of current practices in therapeutic recreation in psychiatric treatment centers in Texas, The programs of the forty-two hospitals responding to the survey questionnaire were evaluated in terms of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society's "Standards for Therapeutic Recreation in Psychiatric Facilities." It was determined that, while the use of recreation in psychiatric rehabilitation is widespread, many programs are not administratively independent., A close association between recreation and occupational therapy was found. Extensive recreation facilities and activities were reported. Use of community resources was widespread, but follow-up and leisure counseling services were rare. Most personnel had no recreation training. The evaluation showed limited compliance with the standards.