The report of the World Health Organization working group which met in February, 1979, to consider issues in detection of handicap in children contains sections on major problems, early detection programs, approaches, administrative issues, personnel, research, conclusions, and recommendations. Major problems include the definition of handicap and "at risk," second handicaps secondary to other handicaps, and need for services. Early detection programs are discussed in terms of an international survey of existing programs in nine countries, general requirements of screening programs, timing, goals, hazards, and frequency of detection programs for those already identified as handicapped. Primary prevention, genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, termination of pregnancy, and the neonatal period are considered in the chapter on approaches to early detection. Administrative issues discussed include program evaluation, psychological considerations, economic considerations, epidemiological considerations, and handicap registers. Health care teams, multidisciplinary teams, parental involvement, and training are personnel topics examined. Types of needed research include small scale research projects, quantitative models, and cross national studies. Among conclusions is the need for surveillance systems though the organization and methods adopted may differ. Seventeen recommendations include: the assessment of all pregnant women for the risk of handicap to the child, examination of every newborn by specially trained staff, detection programs to be limited to those conditions which are identifiable and for which appropriate management is available, and cross national studies in the field of handicap. (DB)