New York State Commission on Relief for Widowed Mothers Register of Children of Widows Committed to Institutions by Children's…

The commission was established by authority of Chapter 588 of the Laws of 1913 to investigate and report on the practicability and appropriate method of providing by statute for pensions or other relief for widowed mothers. Its work included an investigation of the circumstances affecting widowed mothers which would show the necessity or propriety of providing relief, and it was required to submit a report to the 1914 legislature on its findings, including recommendations on proposed legislation. The commission and its appointed subcommittees had authority to inquire into the conditions and statutes "in any State and country" and in doing so to "send for persons or papers," examine witnesses under oath, and take all necessary measures to examine the subject.

The series lists information on cases of children of widows in New York and Bronx counties who were committed to institutions by children's court justices. The information was extracted from the records of the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, apparently at the request of the commission as part of its investigation into providing relief for widowed mothers and their children. There are extracts for approximately 700 cases covering the period from January 1, 1910 to December 1, 1913. The extracts include information on children from 9 months to 21 years of age (most of those represented are teenagers) who were committed for theft, assault, truancy, immorality, parental neglect, or other reasons. Comments on reasons for which they were committed generally include an assessment of the "respectability" of mothers and/or children, typically framed as mention of past (problem) behavior, pattern of employment, the family situation, and/or remarks on character.

Information for each case is given under the following column headings: case number; sex; age; color; religion; nationality of parent; nationality of child; committed for [offense for which committed]; source [of facts/complaint]; and reasons [justifying complaint].

Microform is available at the New York State Archives through interlibrary loan.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.