New York State Agricultural and Industrial School Supplementary Case Files for Male Inmates

Numerical by case history number assigned upon admission.

These case files, which supplement information contained in series A1906, Male Inmate Case History Books, contain documents relating to inmate conviction, medical health at the time of admission, and parole.

Each case file contains one or more of the following types of documents:

1) Certificate of Conviction. A copy of the court commitment order, the original of which is filed in the County Clerk's Office, contains the following information: charge, with description of property stolen if relevant; complainant's name; court; defendant's name, address, and age; date of court proceedings; and occasional notes on the appearance or religion of the defendant.

2) Medical Certificate. Forms completed by institution medical staff at the time of admission contain the following information: physical characteristics; contagious disease history; injuries suffered in the past; hereditary diseases; abnormalities; and urine analysis report (after 1900).

3) Guardian's Letter of Reference. This is a letter signed by three witnesses who attest to the suitability of a person to serve as a guardian for a paroled inmate. The letter contains the name, occupation, and address of the prospective guardian.

4) Custody Agreement. 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 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.

5) Parole Order. In use beginning in the mid-1880's, this form records the vote of the institution's Department of Paroles on whether or not to parole the inmate.

6) Parole Report. This standard form report, completed by the paroled inmate and returned to the parole agent, contains information on the following: address; employment; sabbath school attendance; habits and associates; attitude toward home and employment; and guardian's comments, including vertification of the accuracy of the report.

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.

A1906Series A1906, New York State Agricultural and Industrial School Male Inmate Case History Books, contains basic personal and family background information on each inmate.

Name indexes for the Male Inmate Case History Books (Series A1906) can also be used for access to the Supplementary Case Files.

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).