Transitions to adulthood from care in late 19th century England

Abstract

AbstractSince the mid‐19th century, there have been concerns in England about suboptimal outcomes for care leavers. This paper draws on original data from case files of children who were admitted to the Children's Society between 1887 and 1894, and a contemporary study of outcomes for girls who had been brought up in Poor Law district schools, to explore the basis for these concerns. Widespread destitution in the community meant that many children in care were better fed, clothed and educated than their contemporaries. However, those who left the Poor Law schools were singularly ill prepared for independence, and the much vaunted training offered by the voluntary societies did not prepare children to enter occupations that would provide stable or well‐paid employment. Emerging understanding of the needs of care leavers for continuing support and protection was translated into policies and practices that continue to be relevant a hundred years later. However, factors that shaped the experiences of 19th century care leavers, such as short‐term financial considerations which led to compressed and accelerated transitions, and the principle of less eligibility, still tend to conflict with attempts to ensure that their needs are adequately met today.