A practical, historical blueprint for reorganizing how communities protect and support children.
This 1915 report outlines a proposed national framework that blends public authority with private effort to safeguard children's interests. It covers core principles, structure, and workflows for child welfare, delinquency prevention, neglect cases, and domestic relations, with an emphasis on consistent standards and coordinated services.
Written as a conference document, the work surveys the diverse landscape of children’s laws and institutions in the United States. It argues for a cohesive plan that draws on successful experiences from states and cities, while recognizing local idiosyncrasies. The book discusses the roles of federal, state, and local bodies, private societies, and professional staff, all aimed at a more effective, unified approach to care, protection, and placement.
- Foundational principles for government and private organizations in child protection
- Proposed structures: state boards, county units, and coordinated juvenile and domestic relations courts
- Guidance on neglect, delinquency, and defectives, with emphasis on prevention, treatment, and supervision
- A vision of interrelated services, investigations, and case management to safeguard children’s welfare
Ideal for readers interested in the history of social work, public policy, and child welfare reform, as well as professionals seeking a historical perspective on how communities have organized to protect children.
A Community Plan in Children's Work: A Report Presented at the National Conference of Charities and Correction Baltimore, Maryland, May 16, 1915