New York State Industrial School Weekly Record of Female Inmates' Behavior and Badges Earned

In 1871 the discharging committee suggested, and the board of managers approved, a ruling directing that a record of every inmate's conduct be kept in a "Badge Book." Under the badge system initiated in 1871, inmates earned a badge for 16 consecutive weeks of good behavior; inmates were eligible for parole when they had earned 4 badges and a good home was found for them. A grade of "1" was given for good behavior, "2" for worse behavior, and so on. The badge system was first described in the "Twenty-Third Annual Report of the Managers of the Western House of Refuge" (February 1872).

This volume recording grades for behavior provides date grade recorded; number of badges earned (sometimes); number of consecutive weeks of good behavior toward earning a badge (sometimes); inmate's name and number; grade for behavior during the past week; date paroled; and date recommitted or returned from parole. The volume was kept regularly until June 1895. From July 1895-December 1900, the only information recorded was inmate name and number; if paroled, discharged, or returned, and occasionally the date; and if died, and sometimes the date and/or cause of death.

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).