an inpatient or aftercare work facility constituting a component of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for patients with mental disorders. Such units offer prevocational screening and evaluation, vocational training, ego-strength assessment, and simple to complex work-related tasks, performed under supervision, for which patients receive payment. See sheltered workshop.
1. a person or object that substitutes for the role of an individual who has a significant position in a family or group. See father surrogate; mother surrogate.
2. more generally, any person or entity that substitutes for another.