The study is a followup of one carried out in 1977 in South Wales examining problems created by the presence of a mentally handicapped child in the family. Parents of the followup sample, representing only one-third of the original, were interviewed regarding the handicap and its specific effects, family practical needs and problems, family life, medical services, education, and support. Results are analyzed separately for each topic, and as a whole, show continuing high levels of problems experienced by the families involved. Areas of continuing concern included problems in family management and housing and the availability of specialist equipment. Growing concern was noted for post-school provision. Parents appeared to be more satisfied with educational and medical provisions than they had been in the original study. However, the majority reported a continued lack of information about services available to the handicapped and their families. (CL)