Syracuse State School Record of Paroles/releases

Chronological by parole/discharge date; or alphabetical by surname.

This series records those released "on parole" from the Syracuse State School, formerly the Syracuse State School for Mental Defectives (until 1919). Most of the books simply show name, date of parole, and date of return or discharge. Occasionally there are references, with dates, of escapes (elopement) or the reason for the parole. There are rare mentions of transfer or death. Two volumes particularly record patients paroled for "home visits."

The first volume is a small handbook (4 x 6 inches) that shows date admitted (from 1916); name; reason paroled (vacation, work); whether returned or discharged; and date. Arrangement is chronological by discharge date (1918-1919).

Volume 2 is an alphabetical boys parole book ("From July 1, 1924") that shows name, date paroled, and date returned. The bulk of parole dates range from 1924-1926. A county is sometimes shown, presumably of original residence. Elopements are listed for the years ending June 1924 to June 1925, and the year ending July 1926. Volume 3 is an alphabetical girls parole book ("From July 1, 1924") with the same format and date range as the prior volume. It shows elopements for years ending June 1925 and July 1926.

The next two volumes pertain to patients paroled for home visits. Volume 4 lists females (paroled 1945-1967) and volume 5 lists males (paroled 1946-1968) chronologically by date of parole. Information includes parole date; patient name; address at time of admission (blank); length of parole (when to be returned); to whom paroled (name and relationship); address; result of parole (date of return, often blank).

Volume 6 is a docket book "Begun July 1, 1931" of boys and girls paroled from as early as 1928 to 1932 (bulk 1931). Arranged alphabetically by name, it shows name, date paroled, and date returned, discharged or transferred (only occasionally). The final three volumes continue the same format: volume 7, for parole dates 1936-1940; volume 8, for parole dates 1936-1945; and volume 9, for parole dates 1945-1952.

B1647Series B1647, Admission, Discharge, Death, and Transfer Records, contains related records.

Volume list is available at the repository.

Restricted in accordance with Mental Hygiene Law, Section 33.13, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access is permitted under certain conditions upon approval by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities.