New York State Commission to Examine Laws Relating to Child Welfare Correspondence and Administrative Records

The series consists of original typescripts (some with corrections) and copies of incoming and outgoing correspondence of Senator Charles W. Walton, chairman of the commission. The material reflects the commission's early initiatives in investigating the operation and effect of laws relating to child welfare, especially its efforts to recommend remedial legislation and the reaction to one of the first major pieces of legislation sponsored under the commission's auspices, the Children's Court Act (Chapter 547 of the Laws of 1922).

Much of the correspondence originated with the commission's executive secretary, George A. Hall, and it is weighted toward scheduling, publishing, and financial matters. In addition to correspondence, the series includes itemized statements of expenditures, staff salary statements and expense accounts, memorandums regarding the financial status of the commission, and schedules from the comptroller's office covering payments made to the commission's account. Many of Mr. Hall's letters concern dates of meetings or scheduling subcommittee meetings. There are also several letters on the publication of commission reports, including its preliminary report. Also included in the series are two reports of the executive secretary (summarizing work and the disposition of legislation proposed by the commission), the minutes of one commission meeting, and memorandums on some proposed bills.

Topical letters to the chairman include questions or suggestions on provisions of the Children's Court Act; appointment of judges to assume jurisdiction over the county children's courts; and the General and Special Laws to be included in the commission's manual of children's laws.

Microfilm is available for use at the New York State Archives or through interlibrary loan.

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