Discusses changing socioeconomic conditions in Algeria and their effect on mentally handicapped children. Efforts to provide assistance and care for such children are noted, especially those of the Association Aide aux Inadaptés, a group of parents, teachers, psychologists, and educators with overall responsibility for initiation and management of neighborhood care centers. The physical characteristics, aims, staff makeup, and financial arrangements of 4 day care centers set up by the association are discussed. The centers are viewed as representing a nonmedical approach to the task of caring for mentally handicapped persons; keeping children in their own neighborhoods and ensuring early detection and treatment of maladjustments are seen as important benefits of the program.