New York State Industrial School Parole Badge Book

Rough chronological order by date of inquiry or parole.

This volume tracks male and female inmates eligible or under consideration for parole. The volume was kept in conjunction with the "badge system" whereby inmates earned badges and parole eligibility through consecutive weeks of good behavior.

Information recorded varies over time but may include: inmate name and number; badges earned; address; religion; name and occupation of parent or guardian; date of inquiry (sent to parent or guardian to determine suitability of home); date of circular (sent to parent or guardian - content unclear); disposition/parole (date or remark such as "all right," "unfavorable," "mother a prostitute"); age (beginning November 1890); credit (beginning August 1891, an unexplained dollar amount, number of badges earned, or a remark such as "Dis Com" or "authorized by supt."); and parole occupation (beginning October 1893, notations such as "go to school" or "to work in shoe shop").

The Department of Social Welfare placed these records on loan to the Syracuse University Library from 1960-1977.

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).