New York State Industrial School Supplementary Case Files for Paroled Female Inmates

Numerical by case history number assigned upon admission.

These case files contain information about inmates who were released on parole. Each case file contains one or more of the following types of documents:

1) Custody Agreements. This is a contractual agreement signed by the guardian of a paroled inmate. Agreements vary in format, but all contain the following information: name and residence of the guardian; verification of the guardian's suitability; and statement that the guardian will provide a paroled inmate with shelter, clothing, medical care, and occupational training.

2) Parole Reports. These standard form reports, completed by paroled inmates and returned to the parole agent, contain information on: address; employment; sabbath school attendance; habits and associates; attitude toward home and employment; and guardian's comments, including verification of the accuracy of the report.

3) Correspondence. These are copies of incoming and outgoing correspondence between the parole agents and the following: public and private service agencies, usually regarding the suitability of prospective guardians; guardians, in regard to progress and activities of paroled inmates; paroled or released inmates, many of whom initiated correspondence to discuss their problems; the paroled inmate's family seeking to reestablish contact with the inmate; and third parties who sent warnings about problems of parolees or their guardians.

4) Questionnaires. During the years from 1890 to 1894, parole agent Lynn sent questionnaires to local clergy or judicial officials asking for information about newly committed inmates and their families. The questionnaires were used by Lynn to help evaluate whether an inmate might be paroled to the custody of her family. The questionnaire requested information about the following: character defects of family members; arrests of family members; the inmate's behavior in the home and community; moral quality of the home; financial status of the family; and church attendance.

These case files supplement information about certain inmates' personal and family backgrounds, which is contained in series A1907, Female Inmate Case History Books.

A microform use copy of the series is available at the New York State Archives; however, the copy is not available for use because of access restrictions that apply to the records.

Name indexes in the Female Inmate Case History Books (A1907) can also be used for access to the Supplementary Case Files.

A container list is available at the repository.

Restricted in accordance with Executive Law, Section 501-c(1)(b), relating to confidentiality of individuals in custody of the Division for Youth (now Office of Children and Family Services).