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State Commissions
for the Study and Revision of
Child-Welfare Laws

Children’ s Year Follow-up Series No. 6

Bureau Publication No. 71

U. S. Department of Labor
Children’ s Bureau

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CONTENTS.
Present status of the movement.................. .......................................
Page;
Summaries of organization and plans of work.................................... -........
g
Reports and articles relating to work of commissions........................................
23
Outline for index of existing legislation affecting child welfare. .......................
25
Social legislation affecting child w elfare............................................................... 36-43
Compilations and summaries of State laws.
.....................................
3g
Comparative compilations of laws of the various States.................................
39
Recommendations for uniform l a w s . ...........................................
4Q
Compilations published by Government bureaus..........................................
41

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STATE COMMISSIONS FOR THE STUDY AND REVISION OF
CHILD-WELFARE LAWS.1

PRESENT STATUS OF THE MOVEMENT.
Study of laws affecting the welfare of children by officially appointed
commissions began nine years ago. During the first six years official
bodies were appointed for this purpose in five States and the District
of Columbia. In the last three years the movement has grown so
rapidly that 17 States are now included among those that have offi
cially recognized the importance of unifying and improving legisla
tion for the protection of children. In a large number of other
States unofficial committees are engaged in studying child-welfare
needs, or efforts are being made to secure the appointment of official
commissions. Altogether, almost two-thirds of the States have been
actively interested in the movement. The development of childwelfare commissions or children’s code commissions or committees,
as these official bodies are variously called, has been accompanied
by an active campaign of education by national child-welfare organi
zations and local groups. The growth of this movement for the
coordination and revision of child-welfare legislation, following upon
a comprehensive study of the conditions surrounding children in a
given State, is one of the most significant and hopeful developments
in the child-welfare field.
In almost all the States the scope of work of these commissions
has involved from one to two years’ study of conditions and needs,
preliminary to the coordination and amendment of child-welfare
legislation. The subjects covered include the safeguarding of health,
school attendance, regulation of employment, protection against
exploitation or corruption of morals, special provision and training
for the mentally defective and physically handicapped, care and
training of dependent and neglected children, methods of dealing
with delinquent children, and State supervision of agencies and
institutions. The method employed substitutes for the spasmodic
and often little considered proposals of amendments to State laws
by individuals or organizations interested in special fields of child
welfare, an organized and cooperative effort to secure legislation
1 Thisreport was prepared b y E m m a O. Lundberg and R uth H . Olmsted, of the Social Service Division,
U . S. Children’s Bureau.

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STATE COMMISSIONS FOR THE

based upon study of conditions in the State and remedies that have
proved successful in other States. A fundamental feature of such a
State program is a well-conducted educational campaign, directed
especially toward explaining the child-welfare needs of the State
and the purpose and scope of the legislation proposed.
The success or failure of the work in any State depends, in the
first place, upon the composition and organization of the commis
sion— the equipment of the members for their task and their organi
zation into an efficient working group under competent leadership.
Of almost equal importance are the reliance placed upon the members
by those most intimately concerned with local child-welfare work
and the ability of the commission to work in harmony with organi
zations representing various interests and theories. Moreover, not
only is it essential for the success of the work of the commission to
base legislation upon a thorough knowledge of conditions in the
State and an analysis of existing legislation, but the plans of even the
most enlightened commission are likely to be barren of results unless
the people who are, or may become, interested in these matters, and
especially their representatives in the legislature, have been prepared
for the new proposals through well-directed publicity. I f the offi
cially appointed commission is composed of people well qualified to
consider the interests of the children of the State, their activities
will result not alone in the revision of laws, but they will have brought
about an understanding of child-welfare needs and the purposes of
the legislation that will go far toward securing the proper enforce
ment of the laws for the protection of the children of the State.
The principles that already have resulted in so widespread a move
ment for the better protection of children were included among the
“ minimum standards for child welfare” adopted by the conferences
on child welfare held under the auspices of the United States Chil
dren’s Bureau in 1919.2 The statement defines the purpose and
method of revision o f child-welfare legislation as follows:
The child-welfare legislation of every State requires careful reconsideration as a
whole at reasonable intervals, in order that necessary revision and coordination may
be made and that new provisions may be incorporated in harmony with the best expe
rience of the day. In States where children’s laws have not had careful revision as a
whole within recent years, a child-welfare committee or commission should be created
for this purpose. Laws enacted by the several States should be in line with national
ideals, and uniform so far as desirable, in view of diverse conditions in the several
States.
Child-welfare legislation should be framed by those who are thoroughly familiar
with the conditions and needs of children and with administrative difficulties. It
should be drafted by a competent lawyer in such form as to accomplish the end desired
by child-welfare expertB and at the same time be consistent with existing laws.
s TJ. S. Children’s Bureau: M inim um Standards for Child Welfare Adopted b y the W ashington and
Regional Conferences on Child Welfare, 1919. Conference Series N o. 2, Bureau Publication No. 62, p. 15.
W ashington, 1919.

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STUDY AND REVISION OF C H ILD -W ELFABE L A W S.

The appointment in 1911 o f the Commission to Codify and Revise
the Laws of Ohio Relative to Children is usually credited with being
the first official action of this kind. The so-called children’s code
of Ohio, passed in 1913, resulted from the recommendations of the
two commissioners, following their studies of the laws of various
States, In 1913 the Children’s Commission of New Hampshire was
created by law, reporting two years later on existing conditions and
making recommendations to the legislature. In Oregon, also in
1913, the governor appointed a child-welfare commission which
issued a report and was again appointed in 1915.3 In 1914, the
Attorney General of the United States appointed a committee to
consider the laws pertaining to children in the District of Columbia
and make recommendations. The committee report, January 15,
1915, dealt only with the need for new juvenile court legislation.
The Missouri Children’s Code Commission was appointed b y the
governor in 1915. After two years’ study of child-welfare condi
tions in the State and of existing legislation, together with con
sideration of the laws of other States, this commission in 1917 sub
mitted to the legislature a report embodying bills recommended.4
The Minnesota Child-Welfare Commission was appointed by the
governor in 1916, immediately organizing for study of child-welfare
legislation and needs in the State, and making its report to the legis
lature in 1917.
During the legislative year 1919, five child-welfare or children’s
code commissions (Delaware, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Wiscon
sin), which had been created in l9 1 7 or 1918, reported recommenda
tions in regard to child-welfare legislation. These reports were, in
most instances, the results of extended studies of existing laws and
of consideration of further needs for the adequate protection of
children. In one State (Montana) a similar commission, appointed
by the governor in 1917, remained more or less active during 1919,
but did not make a report.
In the year 1919, five new commissions (Connecticut, Indiana,
Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon5) were created by law for the purpose
of coordinating existing legislation and studying child-welfare con
ditions; they were directed to report, to the legislatures following,
such changes in legislation as seemed desirable. In one State (South
Carolina) a commission was appointed by the governor to work in
conjunction with the State board of charities and corrections, which
board is instructed to make recommendations to the general assembly.
In two States (Delaware, Texas) commissions whose work covers a
broader field have as a part of their program study of the need for
3 Followed b y new commissions in 1917 and 1919.
N ew commission appointed in 1917.
5 The fourth commission in Oregon.
A

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STATE COMMISSIONS FOR REVISION OF CHILD-W ELFARE LAW S.

revision of child-welfare laws.0 In two States (Pennsylvania,7
Tennessee) bills for the establishment of such commissions, and in
another State (Wisconsin) a bill for the creation of a commission to
take the place of one whose authority had expired, failed of passage.
In five other States (Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Utah) un
official committees or organizations were, during 1919, engaged in
more or less comprehensive studies of the child-welfare laws of their
respective States and of the conditions surrounding children.
Early in 1920, commissions were officially appointed in two States
(Kentucky and New Y ork), and in at least 10 States (Arkansas, Colo
rado, Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Ver
mont, Virginia, Washington) there are now movements under way for
securing by official action the appointment of official commissions.
Therefore, eliminating duplications, it will be seen that in at least
31 States and the District of Columbia there has been some definite
action toward comprehensive study of legislation as related to childwelfare needs.
In a number of States not here enumerated there has been an
organized effort to secure the passage of certain child-welfare meas
ures, hut these activities have not been broad enough in scope
to be included among the state-wide movements for general childwelfare legislation. In several of the States not credited with such
activity, or in which attempts to secure commissions for the study
and revision of child-welfare legislation did not succeed, new depart
ments, bureaus, or so-called commissions were created, charged
with more or less comprehensive programs for child protection.
ein one State (Iowa) a general code revision committee was created b y law.
the commissions discussed.
i A bill was also introduced in 1917.

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This is not included among

SUMMARIES OF ORGANIZATION AND PLANS OF WORK.
Connecticut.
Child-Welfare Commission, created by law, May 14, 1919. (Special
acts, January, 1919, ch. 285, secs. 1 and 2.)
The duties of the commission were defined— “ to study and investi
gate the laws, conditions, and practice of this and other States and
countries relating to dependent, neglected, defective, and delinquent
children and the entire question of child welfare.” The commission
was instructed to report the results of its investigation to the next
session of the general assembly, including in its report “ a proposed
code of laws, which shall include a revision of the provisions of the
general statutes relating to children, with such changes and additions
as it may deem advisable.”
An appropriation of $12,000 was originally provided for, the work
of the commission by the State board of control, but upon later
application an additional sum of $10,000 was granted. The members
serve without pay, but they may incur necessary expenses approved
by the board of control.
In accordance with the terms of the law, the governor in 1919
appointed a commission of 15 members. The commission employed
an executive secretary giving part time to the work, an assistant
secretary, four field agents, and office assistance. The commission
membership has been tentatively divided into committees on the
following subjects:
1. Dependent and neglected children.
2. Defective children.
3. Delinquent children.
4. Legal and administrative.
5. Finance.
6. Publicity.
Studies are being made along the lines indicated, including special
investigations of the work of public and private institutions caring
for children, the child-placing work of both public and private agencies,
provision made for defectives, juvenile courts, and probation.
Delaware.
Children’s Code Commission, appointed by the governor in July,
1918. The membership of the commission consisted of five men.
No comprehensive study was made, and the only measure recom
mended to the legislature of 1919 was a bill creating a State board
of charities. This measure became law.
181786°—20----- 2

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STATE COMMISSIONS FOR THE

In April, 1919, the legislature passed a law creating the Recon
struction Commission o f the State o f Delaware. (Laws 1919, ch. 66.)
Part of the prescribed duties of this commission are “ to make recom
mendations to the appropriate official agencies for such legislative
or executive action as it may believe to be desirable, in view of its
investigations. ’1
The reconstruction commission consists of seven members, ap
pointed by the governor, with a paid secretary who is engaged in
organizing infant and child welfare activities throughout the State.
The commission plans to study the needs for new or revised childwelfare legislation in cooperation with the social agencies of the
State dealing with various phases of the problem. A digest o f
existing laws has already been made. The commission will report
to the legislature of 1921.
District of Columbia.
The Attorney General of the United States, March 6, 1914, ap
pointed a committee of five to study the laws pertaining to children
in the District of Columbia. The letter addressed to the members
states the proposed scope of work of this committee:
Intending soon to take under consideration the question of the amendment, revi
sion, and codification of the laws in force in the District of Columbia pertaining to
children and to the jurisdiction, practice, and procedure of the juvenile court of the
District, I have the honor to request you to serve on a committee * * * to study
the present laws and the needs of the District in this particular, and to advise me in
the premises, accompanying your report, if you will, with a draft of such a code as
the committee believes would give the District satisfactory laws upon these subjects.

The committee in its report, January 15, 1915, described the work
it had undertaken as follows:
In pursuance of the work thus put before it, the committee made a compilation of
all the existing laws relating to children in the District, so that it might be informed
as to the development and operation of these laws, and as to how far any revision was
needed.
It also secured a list of all children’s institutions or agencies in the District, and,
by means of a brief but comprehensive questionnaire calling for annual reports and
for the facts as to the organization and connection, if any, of each of these with the
Government, collected the data needed for taking a comprehensive view of the
whole field., and of the relations of each of these institutions and agencies to the others
and to the Government.
While this survey revealed certain obvious problems and needs, as, for example,
that the District has no provision for feeble-minded and epileptic persons, and that
institutional care for delinquent white girls and for the slighter offenses of delinquent
boys is lacking, the most apparent and urgent need was a revision of the present
juvenile court law, to which reference had been specially made in the letter of appoint
ment. The reasons for this will appear in the discussion of this particular subject
later.
It soon became apparent that a plan for providing adequately for all eases of neglected
and defective children in the District would require not only careful study of the local
situation, but also of the latest and best methods in use in other communities. In

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tiie meantime the juvenile court is treating the cases of neglected -and defective
children and, ©wing to the defects in the law, is working injustice upon them. The
committee, therefore, felt it a duty to submit a report on this phase of the problem in
order to avoid the delay which further study of the whole question would necessitate.
It regards a prompt revision of the juvenile court law as imperative.
Accompanying this report, and part hereof, are the drafts of two bills:
(a) A bill amending the present juvenile court law and in fact creating a new juve
nile court.

(b) A bill intended to remove certain disabilities affecting children by reason of
judgments of conviction of crime of record against them in the juvenile court of the
‘District.
The committee presents these measures in the hope that they will be introduced
in the Congress and passed as drawn. A discussion of their merits involves primarily
a consideration of the existing law and the results obtained under it.

Indiana.
Commission on Child Welfare and Social Insurance, created by
law, March 15, 1919. (Acts 1919, ch. 197, p. 771.)
The governor was directed to appoint a commission of five persons,
at least two of whom shall be parents.” The commission was
instructed to “ make a careful and systematic study of child welfare
and social insurance.” The work is to be done through visiting the
various parts of the State, holding public hearings, and making care
ful inquiry into the problems of each locality, and the commission is
authorized to visit other States in order to investigate the methods
employed and the results achieved. A report of findings and recom
mendations is to be submitted to the governor on or before December
h 1920* The law further states that “ the commission shall also
draft such bills as may be necessary to embrace and carry out its
recommendations and submit them to the next general assembly for
consideration. ”
A sum of $5,000 was appropriated. The members are to serve
without compensation, hut are allowed nbbessary traveling expenses,
and may employ a clerk and a stenographer. It is provided that the
commission “ may avail itself of the collections or facilities of any
State department in obtaining the information and data necessary
to the successful prosecution of its work. ”
When the commission met for organization, it divided its activities
into two sections, as contemplated by the law— social insurance and
child welfare— a chairman being selected for each section.
Kentucky.
Children’s Code Commission, created by law, March, 1920.
The governor was directed to appoint a commission of five members
to prepare a report for the next regular meeting o f the legislature in
1922.
’
The duties imposed upon the commission are “ to make a survey of
the entire field of child welfare in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

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STATE COMMISSIONS FOR THE

The commission was granted power to summon witnesses and “ such
other powers as may be necessary to such an investigation,” but no
appropriation was made for the expenses of the commission.
Michigan.
Child-Welfare Commission, created by law, May 10, 1917. (Laws
1917, No. 293.)
This is a continuing commission, the three members to be appointed
by the governor every two years. The law provides that the members
“ shall be selected from the recognized, organized bodies formed for
the study of child welfare, and the promotion of education, hygiene,
health, good morals, and physical and mental welfare of children and
their parents and guardians,” preference being given to members of
organizations whose work is State-wide in scope.
The duties of the commission are defined as follows: “ To study
and investigate the social and economic environment of children,
with particular reference to their home and neighborhood surround
ings; the influences to which children are subjected in and about their
homes and schools; the conditions under which children are forced
or permitted to perform labor in their homes or elsewhere, with or
without remuneration ; the relationships between children and parents
and the fitness and ability of parents to care for children, supervise
their education, control their morals and fit them to become useful
and law-abiding citizens, and the remedies that should be applied by
State and other public bodies for the amelioration and improvement of
such conditions as may indicate the need for alteration and correc
tion. ” The commission is to report to the governor at least 30 days
prior to the assembling of each successive legislature “ a résumé of
the work of the commission together with recommendations for such
legislation as the commission may consider necessary to advance the
welfare and promote the education, good morals, and- mental and
physical well-being of children.” The commission is given power to
examine records of State institutions, boards, commissions, or officers
of the State, and of local public agencies and institutions and in
corporated private bodies.
In the fall of 1917 the National Child Labor Committee began
studies of institutions, juvenile courts and mothers’ pensions, child
labor, and a general study of the laws of Michigan. The results of
these four studies were submitted to the commission. The com
mission laid before the governor a brief (unpublished) report, which
included recommendations relative to creation of a child-welfare
department in the State board of corrections and charities; appoint
ment and removal of county agents to be conferred upon the State
board of corrections and charities, and the provision of five traveling
supervisors; treatment of cripples at the State University Hospital,

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STUDY AND REVISION OF C H ILD -W ELF ARE LAW S.

and, pending treatment, provision in their homes; a more adequate
system of care for dependent children; county health officers and
trained nurses; an appropriation of $1,000 for the child-welfare com
mission. No legislative action resulted.
Because of the fact that no appropriation was made by the legisla
ture to enable the commission to carry out the broad program
intrusted to it, no further action seems to have been taken by the
commission. According to the law, the term of office of the members
appointed in 1917 expired in 1919, and early in 1920 the governor
made the necessary appointment for the continuance of the work of
the commission.
Minnesota.
Child-Welfare Commission, consisting of 12 members, was appointed
by the governor, August, 1916, to revise and codify the laws of the
State relating to children.
No appropriation was made by the State, but private funds were
secured, and an executive secretary was employed. The personnel
of the commission included nine men and three women, their interests
being defined as follows:8 “ Of the men three were judges—-two
members of the district bench, assigned to the juvenile court, and the
third a former justice of the supreme court; two were members of the
legislature, one from each house; and the remaining four were an assist
ant secretary of a civic and commerce association of long professional
training in philanthropic work, a member of the State board of con
trol, which manages the institutions of the State, the superintendent
of the State school for dependent children, and a Jewish rabbi who
had taken an active interest in civic affairs. Of the women, one was
active in the management of a social settlement in the largest city of
the State, another was the director of thelbureau of women and chil
dren of the State labor department, and the third was a woman of
broad civic interests.” The executive secretary was a lawyer.
The study undertaken by the commission was divided as follows:9
1 . Defective children, with reference to the blind, the deaf, the crippled, and
deformed, the feeble-minded and epileptic, and—as related matter—the protection of
children from transmissible disease and the regulation of marriage.
2. Dependent and neglected children, touching upon courts, and procedure, ille
gitimacy, adoption, public relief at home, maternity hospitals, lying-in places, baby
farms, placing-out agencies, institutional homes, abandonment, and desertion.
3. Delinquent children, including courts and procedure, correctional institutions,
moral safeguards, and adults contributing to delinquency.
4. General child welfare, including birth registration, vital statistics, regulation of
midwives, school attendance, regulation of employment, and crimes against children.
8 U . S. Children’s Bureau: Standards of ChildWelfare. A Report of the Children’s Bureau Conferences,
May and June, 1919. “ The Minnesota Child Welfare Commission,” b y W . W . Hodson, p. 420. Conference
Series No. 1, Bureau Publication N o. 60. Washington, 1919.
8 Ibid., p . 421.

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Four committees were appointed to coyer the subjects as outlined,
and to report its findings to the whole commission. After six months
of work the commission submitted its report to the governor, 43 bills
being proposed. The secretary states: 9
TJae findings of the commission were adopted in almost every instance by a unani
mous vote of that body. Where there was a division, a substantial majority had
approved.

The legislature passed a resolution (Laws 1917, p. 874, Resolution
No. 1) authorizing the appointment of a special committee of seven
members o f the house and five o f the senate to consider the bills to be
recommended by the child-welfare commission and other bills intro
duced that concerned child welfare. This joint committee was
authorized to hold public hearings and “ introduce and recommend
to the house and senate such bills as in its judgment will bring about
the proper revision of the laws of this State relating to children.”
Of the 43 measures recommended to the legislature, 35 were enacted
‘ into law. These 35 measures repealed 114 sections and amended
60 sections of previously existing law.
The Hills recommended to the legislature, with synopses of changes
from the existing law, were published in the report of the Minnesota
Child-Welfare Commission, 1917. The changes that were made by
the legislature pursuant to the recommendations of the commission
are indicated in the Compilation o f the Laws of Minnesota Relating
to Children, published by the State board o f control in 1917, and a
later edition containing the laws through 1919. The results attained
through the work of the commission have been summarized by the
executive secretary in the article previously cited.10 He.states that
**time did not permit the assembling o f these measures in such a way as
to make possible their passage as a code rather than as individual laws,
but the existing statutes are now for the most part coherent, consistent,
and interdependent. They seek to express the State ’s responsibility
for its handicapped children as far as it seems possible to go at this
time.” One of the new laws centralized in the State board o f control
the administration of all laws for the care and protection o f children,
and authorized the creation of a special division of the board for this
purpose and the organization of county child-welfare hoards.
Missouri.
Children’s Code Commission-, appointed by the governor, June, 1915.
No appropriation was made b y the State; the commission raised
funds from private sources, and an executive secretary was employed.
The commission consisted of 23 members.
The commission took
JOTT.S. Children’s Bureau: Standards of Child Welfare. A Report of the Children’s Bureau Conferences,
M ay and June, 1919. “ The Minnesota ChildWelfare Commission,” b y W . W . Hodson, pp. 124-428. Con
ference Series N o. 1, Bureau Publication N o. 90. Washington, 1919.

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STUDY AND REVISION OF CHILD-W ELFARE LAW S.

the place of a committee of three senators authorized by the Missouri
senate in 1915, which did not undertake any work because its appro
priation was found to be invalid.
The commission was appointed to “ revise the existing laws relating
to children, to prepare such new legislation as might seem desirable,
and to bring together in one code all the laws relating to children.’ ’
The following committees were formed:
1. General laws for the protection of children.
2. Public administration.
3. Delinquent and neglected children.
4. Defective children.
5. Destitute children.
6. Child labor and education.
7. Health and recreation.
As one of the first steps, an analysis was made of the Missouri laws
relating to child welfare, and an index of this legislation was pub
lished.
In 1917 a re p ort11 was issued, containing the changes recom
mended, with the reasons for the same. The report stated: “ All
the members of the commission do not concur in all the recom
mendations. No minority reports, however, have been submitted, and
all the chief measures have received the approval of a majority of the
commission.” Of the 42 bills recommended, 10 were enacted into law.
A second child-welfare commission was appointed by the governor
in 1917. This was also financed through private contributions. The
28 members of the commission included “ nine State and local
officials, eight social workers in private organizations, four members
of the legislature, five lawyers, and three officers of State associations
of women.” 12 The drafting o f the code was mainly the work of the
commission’s attorney.13 The executive; secretary of the first com
mission acted in the same capacity for the second, and the plan of work
was substantially the same as before.
The report published in 1918, for submission to the general assembly
of 1919, contained explanations of 51 proposed bills.14 Of these
recommended bills, 25 passed the legislature, but 5 of these were
vetoed by the governor.
Montana.
Committee to Standardize Children’s Laws, appointed by the gov
ernor in 1917 as a result of a special campaign for the creation o f a
11 Missouri Children’s Code Commission; a complete revision of the laws for the welfare of Missouri chil
dren. Second edition, with additional hills, January, 1917. Jefferson City.
12 Missouri— A New Children’s Code Proposed.
13 One of the five lawyers mentioned above.

The Survey, volume 41 (December 28, 1918),pp. 406-407.

14 Report of the Missouri Children’s Code Commission; a complete revision of the laws for the welfare of
Missouri children. 1918. Jefferson C ity.

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commission to study child-welfare conditions in the State and revise
legislation.
No report was made to the legislature of 1919. During that year
correspondence with members of the committee indicated that it was
hoped that a report could be made in time for the 1921 legislature.
Nebraska.
Children’s Code Commission, created by law, April 15, 1919. (Laws
1919, ch. 178.)
The governor was directed to appoint for a period to terminate May
11, 1921, “ a special investigating committee to be known as ‘The
Children’s Code Commission.’ ” This commission was designated as
an “ independent branch” of the State child-welfare bureau estab
lished under the same act in connection with the State department of
public instruction.
An appropriation of not to exceed $7,500 was made available for*
the work of the code commission. The members of the commission
are to receive no salary, but they may receive actual traveling expenses
within the'State and may appoint a secretary at a salary not to exceed
$150 a month, and employ stenographic and other assistance.
The duties of the commission are thus defined in the law:
The Children’s Code Commission of the Child-Welfare Bureau shall make a careful
study of the subject of child welfare with special reference to the problems presented
in Nebraska, and, as part of its duties,-shall investigate social and other conditions
affecting child welfare in Nebraska, shall make a study of comparative legislation re
lating thereto, to point out, and make recommendations for removal of inconsistent,
obsolete, or otherwise undesirable laws, and recommend new legislation for promotion
of child welfare in said State; and shall embody said recommendations and the results
of said investigation in a written report to the governor on December 1, 1920, which
report the governor shall transmit to the legislature next convening.

The commission is empowered to have access to all books and rec
ords of State, county, and municipal institutions and agencies, and of
all private agencies having the custody of or the placing out of chil
dren, and is authorized to call upon the legislative reference bureau
for assistance.
In accordance with this act the governor appointed a commission
of 15 members, and a secretary was employed by them. The mem
bership of the commission is made up of persons specially qualified
to deal with the problems relating to child welfare in the State. The
commission divided its work into the following groups, for each of
which a committee was named:
1. Special classes of children.
2. Education and child labor.
3. Health and recreation.
4. General child welfare.
5. Administration and law enforcement.

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New Hampshire.
Children's Commission, created by law, April 15, 1913. (Laws
1913, ch. 72.)
The members served without compensation, but the governor was
authorized to draw his warrant for necessary expenses of the com
mission, $1,350 being thus expended. Private contributions were
secured in order to defray the expenses of a field worker.
The governor and council were given the authority to appoint
“ three suitable persons who shall investigate all matters relating to
the welfare of the dependent, defective, and delinquent children of
the State, especially the questions of orphanage, juvenile courts,
detention homes, desertion, physical and mental degeneracy, infant
mortality, accidents, and diseases.” The commission was ordered to
report to the legislature of 1915.
The commission organized into three committees:
1. Infant mortality.
2. Physical and mental degeneracy, orphanages, and desertion.
3. Juvenile courts and detention homes.
In addition to these subj'ects, child labor and conditions surrounding
children in the public schools were also investigated. A field worker
was employed to investigate the prevalence of feeble-mindedness.
One public hearing was held for discussion of legislation to be recom
mended to the legislature.
As directed, the commission reported to the legislature of 1915 on
existing conditions, and presented a digest of existing laws. The
main recommendations made were for: (1) State board of children’s
guardians; (2) colony for feeble-minded girls; (3) probation-truant
officers; (4) supervision of public schools.
New York.
Children's Code Commission, created by law, May, 1920. (Laws
1920, ch. 699.)
The act creating the commission specified that the membership of
the commission is to consist of two members of the senate, three
members of the assembly, five persons to represent the State depart
ments of education, labor, health, State board of charities, and State
probation commission. The governor is authorized to appoint five
other persons to represent the public at large.
The commission is to serve without compensation for services, but
an appropriation of $5,000 was made for employment of assistants
and other necessary expenses.
The duties of the commission as outlined in the act are: To “ collate
and study all laws relating to child welfare, investigate and study the
operation and effect of such laws upon children, ascertain any over
lapping and duplication of laws and of the activities of any public
181786°—20-----3

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STATE COMMISSIONS EOE TH E

office, department, or commission thereunder, and make recom
mendations to the legislature of remedial legislation which it may
deem proper as the result of its investigations.”
.
The commission is to have “ all the powers of a legislative com
mittee” in having access to records and taking testimony in order to
carry on the investigation. A report of proceedings must be made to
the legislature at its next session, “ and also at such other times as
may be required by the governor or by the president of the senate
and speaker of the assembly.”
Ohio.
Commission to Codify and Revise the Laws o f Ohio Relative to
Children, created by law, May 18, 1911. (Laws 1911, p. 123.)
The act provided for the appointment of “ a commission to revise,
consolidate, and suggest amendments to the statute laws of the State
of Ohio which pertain to children.” The governor was authorized
to appoint two competent commissioners to carry out this work, their
duties to commence not later than July 1, 1911, a report to be made
to the governor within a year after this date. The commissioners—
two lawyers— served without compensation; but a sum not to exceed
S3,000 was appropriated to cover the expenses of the commission,
including the services of clerks and experts.
The commissioners were specifically instructed to “ unify the
present laws pertaining to illegitimate, defective, neglected, depend
ent, and delinquent children, and to their treatment, care, mainte
nance, custody, control, protection, and reformation,” arid to “ sug
gest such amendments and additions as, to them, may seem best
calculated to bring the statute laws of this State into harmony with
the best thought on this subject.”
• In regard to their work, the commissioners reported:15
We have visited the Eastern States; we have corresponded all over the United
States and with some of the officials of European countries and have studied the laws
of the various States; we have met with the theorist and the practical worker. In the
State of Ohio we have consulted and corresponded with children’s home officials,'
juvenile judges, probation officers, officials of the State boards and institutions, and
with private charity workers.

An article16 on the children’s code of Ohio, by H. H. Shirer, sec-'
retary of the board of State charities, gives further information in
regard to the methods of work:
Conferences were held in the large cities of the State, at which time there were held
informal discusssions of the matters under consideration. Meetings were held in con
nection with the children’s home section of the State conference of charities and cor
rection, at which time criticisms were solicited in respect to many of the proposals
under consideration. Because of this public way of treating the problem, the work
of the commission soon commanded the respect of all persons liable to be affected by
the recommendations to be made in their final report. * * * The Ohio commission
took under consideration all the laws of the State which in any way pertain to children.
is Report of the Commission to Codify and Revise the Laws of Ohio Relative to Children, p. 1.
is Shirer, H . H . : “ The Children’s Code of Ohio.” The Ohio Bulletin of Charities end Correction, volume
20 (January, 1914), pp. 16-23.

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This included the management of public and private children’s homes, the compul
sory education law, the child-labor law, compensation to mothers under certain
social conditions, the juvenile court, truancy, the State institutions that care for
children, and all other related subjects.

In 1912 the report was made to the governor, who transmitted it
to the legislature of 1913. The recommendations of the commis
sioners resulted in the passage of the so-called Children’s Code of
1913.17
Oklahoma.
Children’s Code Commission, created by law, March 22, 1919.
(Laws 1919, ch. 58.)
The governor was authorized and required to appoint three com
petent persons as commissioners, to enter upon their duties not later
than July 1, 1919, and report to the governor not later than July 1,
1920, their report to be transmitted by the governor to the next
session of the legislature.
The commission was empowered to “ revise, consolidate, and sug
gest amendments and additions to the statute laws of the State of
Oklahoma which pertain to children?’ The commissioners are
instructed to “ unify the present laws pertaining to illegitimate,
defective, neglected, dependent, and delinquent children, and to
their treatment, care, maintenance, custody, control, protection,
and reformation,” and to siiggest “ such amendments and additions
as to them may seem best calculated to bring the statute laws of
.this. State into harmony with the best thought on this subject.”
The commissioners are given access to the records of the depart
ments of the State, county, and municipal governments. W ith the
consent of the governor they are authorized to employ stenographers
and clerks and to secure such expert advice and assistance as may
seem advisable.
Oregon.
The first Child-Welfare Commission was appointed by the governor,
January 7, 1913. The membership was composed of three women
and two men. No appropriation was provided b y the State. The
commission was created “ to study conditions affecting childhood,
to ascertain the best way to remedy existing evils, and to endeavor,
through legislation _and education, to throw necessary and proper
safeguards about the children of the State.”
This commission in 1915 made a report18 on existing conditions
and submitted 39 recommendations. Two of these were adopted
and resulted in passage of laws to prevent blindness and to provide
tor birth and death registration.
n <‘ Children's Code, 1913.”

Laws 1913 (act of Apr. 28), pp. 864-914,

13 First Biennial ic.eport- of the Oregon Child-Welfare Commission to the Governor and the Legislative
Assem bly, 1915. Salem, Orcg., 1915.

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In 1915 the governor reappointed the commission; funds were
raised from private sources. The commission was authorized to
study and report on “ the care and treatment of indigent, crippled
children,” and “ modern methods on the care of dependent and neg
lected children.” They also studied, “ the value of health education
in preventive work, and kept in touch with the activities of the State
schools.” A “ child-legislation exhibit,” giving information regard
ing child welfare and the need of preventive work, was sent through
the State for the purpose of arousing public sentiment in favor of
improved legislation.19
In 1917 the commission reported,20 making a number of recommen
dations for the State schools and urging the passage of legislation
covering seven specific child-welfare needs. Six of the commission’s
recommendations were embodied in laws passed by the 1917 session
of the legislature.
In February, 1917, the legislature,, through a resolution (Laws
1917, Senate resolution No. 21, p. 941), authorized the appointment
by the State board of control of a committee of five members. This
committee was instructed to “ visit all private and public institu
tions of this State having charge and control of minors and dependent,
delinquent, incorrigible, and subnormal children,” to the end that
ameliorative measures might be taken by the next legislature.
The extension division of the University of Oregon undertook to
finance the work of the committee. The assistance of the depart
ment of child-helping of the Russell Sage Foundation was secured
and a study was made along the following lines: Public institutions,
private institutions, child-placing in families, child care in institu
tions, supervision of child-welfare work, preventive measures and
agencies, and State action past and prospective. A proposed childwelfare bill was included in the report of the study which was pub
lished for the child-welfare committee by the extension division.
This report was presented to the State board of control in 1918.21
One of the results of the recommendations of the commission was
the law creating a permanent supervisory “ Child-Welfare Commis
sion,” whose duties include the inspection and supervision of all
child-caring and child-placing agencies.
The Oregon Child-Welfare Revision Committee was created by law,
March 4, 1919. (Laws 1919, ch. 299.)
The act provided for a commission of three members experienced
in legislative work, to be appointed by the governor for a term of
two years from the date of the approval of this act.
i* Second Biennial Report of the Child-Welfare Commission, 1917,p . 3 , “ Oregon’s D u ty to the Children.”
Salem , Oreg., 1917.
•
20 Second Biennial Report of the Child-Welfare Commission, 1917. “ Oregon’s D u ty to the Children.”
Salem, Oreg., 1917.
Slingerland, W . H .: Child-Welfare W ork in Oregon. A study, of public and private, agencies and
institutions for the care of dependent, delinquent, and defective children. July B ulletin, Extension
Division, U niversity of Oregon, 1918.

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The committee, also referred to in the act as a commission, was
directed to “ codify, classify, and index all the laws of the State of
Oregon defining child dependency and delinquency, providing for
court commitments and guardianships of the persons of dependent,
delinquent, and feeble-minded children, authorizing private agencies
and institutions for the care of dependent and delinquent children
and the commitment and care of feeble-minded and defective chil
dren, arranging consent to the adoption of children, regulating child
placing in families, and providing for the supervision, records, and
reports for such child-welfare work, the code of the committee to be
reported directly to the legislature for approval.”
The committee was to serve without compensation, but the sum of
$500 was appropriated to cover “ the expenses of actual traveling
and clerical work necessarily incurred in complying with the fore
going provisions and rendering said report, together with the expense
of printing the same.”
South Carolina.
Child-Welfare Commission, appointed by the governor, May 15,1919.
The commission consists of 10 members, as follows: One judge of
a juvenile court, 2 members of the legislature, 3 persons connected
with State boards, 2 representatives of private child-caring agencies,
1 teacher, 1 labor representative. It was arranged that the commis
sion should work in conjunction with the State board of charities
and corrections.
the act creating the board of charities and corrections (Acts
X915; No. 100, sec/ 13, pp. 132-138), the board is instructed to make
a report to the governor, which shall include “ such recommendations
as may be deemed proper to be submitted to the general assembly.”
The work of the commission was planned with the view to facilitate
the work of the board in making such a report.
The commission planned to make a general survey of the State
along specified lines and, at the completion of the survey and con
sideration and acceptance of the report resulting from it, to draw up
a code of laws for children. The studies were planned according to
the following classification:
1. General protection (including such subjects as parentage,
property, marriage, etc.).
2. General social welfare. (State, county, and city agencies
for social welfare.)
3. Public health.
4. Dependent children.
5. Delinquent children.
6. Defective children.
,n
7. Child labor.
8. Administration.
9. Formulating code.
10. Facilitating legislation.

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Texas.
In June, 1919, the governor appointed the Texas Child-Welfare
Commission. This commission, which has a membership of 50, was
designed to be “ a clearing house of all child-welfare problems.” No
appropriation has as yet been made for the work of the commission.
The commission is divided into the following committees: Legisla
tive, survey of child-welfare organizations, finance, publicity, child
hygiene, working child, public education, rural child, dependent chil
dren, erring children, child welfare in the church.
The secretary states that the work planned b y the commission is
“ to make a study of all State, county, and municipal laws relating
to children, also of the State, local, and private institutions and
agencies dealing with children, and of general conditions surrounding
childhood in Texas, and to prepare a report of its findings, together
with recommendations of legislation and other measures looking to
to the betterment of the condition of childhood in Texas.”
Wisconsin.
Child-Welfare Committee, appointed b y the governor, December 12,
1918.
The committee of 13, of which the State reviser of statutes was
chairman, was composed of judges, legislators, members of State
boards, and social workers.
The duty imposed upon the committee was to codify and examine
laws relating to child welfare, to eliminate dead-letter laws, to study
the needs for revision, and to formulate proposals for new laws.
The committee reported to the legislature of 1919. The report
included a number of recommendations which were enacted into law.
At the request of the commission the laws of the State relating to
child welfare were compiled b y the Juvenile Protective Association
of Milwaukee.22
In 1919 a bill was introduced in the legislature providing for the
appointment of “ a committee to codify and suggest new legislation
concerning children, their welfare and employment.” This bill failed
of passage.
22 Statutes Relating to the Protection, Reformation, and Wolfarc of Children.
Compilation b y Miss
E dith Foster, Juvenile Protective Association, Milwaukee. Printed b y the legislature of 1919, Madison.

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REPORTS AND ARTICLES RELATING TO WORK OF
COMMISSIONS.
Minnesota Child Welfare Commission, Report of the. With bills recommended and
synopses of all changes from present law. 1917. Office of the commission, State
Capitol, St. Paul, Minn.
Missouri Children’s Code Commission; a complete revision of the laws for the welfare
of Missouri children. Second edition, with additional bills, January, 1917. Jeffer
son City [1917].
——— References to Missouri Statutes Relating to Children. An annotated and
classified reference list of all statutes and constitutional provisions in Missouri relat
ing to children. Prepared by the Federal Children’s Bureau, Washington, B. C.
Supplement to the Report of the Missouri Children’ s Code Commission, January,
1917.
■
-------- Report of the Missouri Children’ s Code Commission; a complete revision of
the laws for the welfare of Missouri children. Jefferson City, 1918.
New Hampshire. Report of the Children’s Commission to the Governor and Legis
lature, January, 1915. Concord, N. II., .1914.
Ohio. Report of the Commission to Codify and Revise the Laws of Ohio Relative to
Children. [Columbus(?)1912(?)]
Oregon Child-Welfare Commission, First Biennial Report, 1915, to the Governor and
the Legislative Assembly, 1915.
Oregon’s Duty to the Childern. Second Biennial Report of the Child-Welfare Com
mission, 1917. Salem, Oreg., 1917.
Baldwin, Roger N.: A State children’s code and its enforcement. The Survey, vol.
37 (Dec. 30, 1916), pp. 356-357.
•
--------- How shall we frame a consistent public policy for children? Proceedings of
the National Conference of Charities and Correction, 1914, pp. 189-194.
Carstens, C. C.: Children’s codes for the various States. The Child Labor Bulletin,
' Vol. VI (May, 1917), pp. 15-22.
£-------- The development of State programs for child welfare. Proceedings of the
National Conference of Social Work, 1917, pp. 307-315.
|---------The method of procedure. Standards of Child Welfare. A Report of the Chilf dren’s Bureau Conferences, May and June, 1919, pp. 416-419. Conference Series
4 No. 1 , U. S. Children’s Bureau Publication No. 60. Washington, 1919.
(Children’s code movement growing. The Child Labor Bulletin, vol. 7 (February,
1919), pp. 237-238.
Clopper, E. N.: A children’s charter. Proceedings of the National Conference of
Charities and Correction, 1915, pp. 106-111.
---------•Children’s Codes. National Child Labor Committee, Pamphlet No. 301.
May, 1920.
Enacting the children’s code piecemeal. The Survey, vol. 37 (Mar. 31, 1917) pp
760-761.
Foster, Edith: Outlines of a proposed children’s code in Wisconsin. Proceedings of
the Wisconsin State Conference of Social Work, 1918, pp. 54-61.
Haynes, F. E.: Progress and problems of children’s code making. Proceedings of
the Iowa State Conference of Social Work, 1917, pp. 78-85.
23

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STATE COMMISSIONS FOR REVISION OF CHILD-W ELFARE LAW S.

Hodson, William W.: For the children of Minnesota. The Survey, vol. 38 (May 12,
1917), p. 147.
— :------ Securing a children’s code for Minnesota. Proceedings of the Wisconsin State
Conference of Social Work, 1918, pp. 44-54.
--------- The Minnesota Child-Welfare Commission. Standards of Child Welfare. A
report of the Children’s Bureau Conferences, May and June, 1919, pp. 420-427.
Conference Series No. 1, U. S. Children’s Bureau Publication No. 60. Washing
ton, 1919.
Lathrop, Julia C.: Uniform legislation: Discussion. Proceedings of the National Con
ference of Charities and Correction, 1915, pp. 111-114.
Liowenstein, Lucille B.: Lobbying for an ideal at Jefferson City. The American
Childv vol. 1 (August, 1919), pp. 118-122.
---------Report of Committee on Children. Monthly Bulletin, (Missouri) State Board
of Charities and Corrections, vol. 9 (June, 1918), pp. 37-40.
Mangold, George B.: Committee Report—The Children’s Code. Monthly Bulletin,
(Missouri) State Board of Charities and "Corrections, vol. 3 (May, 1917), pp. 19-22.
Missouri—A new children’s code proposed. The Survey, vol. 41 (Dec. 28, 1918), pp.
•406-407.
Oklahoma’s children. The Survey, vol. 42 (Apr. 12, 1919.), p. 85.
‘ Pennsylvania. A children’s commission. Co-operation (published by the Children’s
Bureau, Philadelphia), Vol. IV (February, 1917).
•
Shirer, H. EL: The children’s code of Ohio. The Ohio Bulletin of Charities and Cor^•rection, vol. 20 (January, 1914), pp. 16-23.

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OUTLINE FOR INDEX OF EXISTING LEGISLATION AFFECT
ING CHILD WELFARE.23
The Children’s Bureau is directed by law to investigate legislation
affecting children in the several States and Territories. Accordingly,
the bureau has been preparing a reference index, by States, of exist
ing legislation on the subjects covered by the outline here presented.
The index specifies the topics covered by the outline upon which each
State has legislation, together with references to the acts and sec
tions where such legislation is to be found.24
This outline is merely a list of topics which have been found to be
actually covered by the existing laws of a number of States. In cer
tain cases two distinct though related subjects are connected in the
laws as they now stand upon the statute books, as, for example, in
the case of laws relating to dependent and to delinquent children
(see “ H ” ), and this connection has been preserved in the index out
line wherever necessary to avoid a large amount of duplication in the
references. The outline is not based upon any logical or ideal analysis
of child-welfare laws, nor does it contain a model list of topics which
should be covered by legislation.
(A)

PARENT AND CHILD:
1. DUTIES AND LIABILITIES OF PARENTS—
Abandonment —Negleet—Nonsupport.
Abuse and cruelty.
Acts committed by child, parental liability for (liability for torts of
child, etc.).
Care and support, duty to provide—
Duty of father to provide; when duty of mother.
(In cases of divorce or separation, see “ A - 3 , Divorce.” )
(For illegitimate children, see “ A -5.” )
Maintenance, allowance for, out of child’s estate.
Protection (of child from injury; justifiable homicide, etc.).
Miscellaneous.
2. RIGHTS OF PARENT AND CHILD—
Actions (for injury to person of child, etc.).
Custody and control of child’s person and property. (See also “ A - 3 ,
Divorce.” )
Legal settlement of children. (See also “ H - 6, Poor relief.” )
Parental rights, termination of—Emancipation, etc;
Services and earnings.
Support of parent by child. (See also “ H—0, Poor relief.” )
Miscellaneous.

28 This outline was planned b y E m m a O. Lundberg, with the assistance of other members of the Chil
dren’ s Bureau staff. Reprinted, w ith revisions, from “ Sum m ary of Child-Welfare Laws Passed in
1916, ” pp. 63-74. Miscellaneous Series N o. 7, U . S. Children’s Bureau Publication No. 21. Washington
1917.
6
J
24 Copies of the index for individual States m ay; when available, be secured upon request.

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STATE COMMISSIONS FOR THE

(A) PARENT AND CHILD—Continued.
3. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE—
'D ivorceGrounds for, etc.
Custody and support of children.
Effect on legitimacy of children, etc.
MarriageAge of consent to marriage, consent of parents, guardians, etc.
Marriage of feeble-minded, epileptic, insane, etc.
Void and voidable marriages, what constitutes; effect of on legiti
macy of children. (For annulment of marriage, see “ A-3, Di
vorce.” )
Miscellaneous (licenses, etc.).
4. ADOPTION—
Who may adopt; who may be adopted.
Consent of parent, guardian, etc.
Court jurisdiction, procedure, records, etc.
Effect of adoption—
Change of name of child .
Liabilities of adopting person.
Inheritance and property rights of adopted child and others.
Abrogation of adoption.
Advertising, etc., for adoption^ penalty.
State control over adoption.
(For adoption through and from institutions, m
from boarding
homes for infants, see “ D -3 ” ; a n d see also
“ H -5,” and ‘ G. )
5. ILLEG ITIM AC YIllegitimate children, who are. (See also “ A-3.” )
Responsibility of father; of mother.
Illegitimacy proceedings—
Disclosure of father.
Complaint, warrant, arrest.
Bond for support, etc.
Methods of legitimation—
Acknov. ledgment b y father.
Subsequent intermarriage of parents, etc.
Inheritance and property rights and disabilities o f parent and child.

6. MISCELLANEOUS.
(B)

GUARDIAN AND WARD:
Appointment and kind of guardian—
“ Joint guardianship.”
Testamentary guardianship, right of father, and of mother to appoint
Miscellaneous.
Duties, powers, and responsibilities of guardian.
Rights and liabilities of the ward.
Termination of guardianship, etc.
State guardianship; guardianship of institutions and agencies, etc. (Fo
this subject, see “ G ,” “ H -3,”
and “ 1-1.” ) .

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(C)

OFFENSES AGAINST THE CHILD:

SPECIFIC. OFFENSES—

‘

Abandonment and neglect. (For same by parents, see “ A - l .” )
Abduction—Kidnappings—Child stealing.
Abortion and prevention of conception.
Abuse and cruelty. (For same by parents, see “ A -L ” )
Admittance to dance halls, saloons, etc.
Age of consent. (For this subject, see “ Sexual crimes, ” hereunder.)
Begging.
Contributing to dependency and delinquency of child. (See also “ H -l,
Adult responsibility for delinquency and dependency,” and “ H - 3 .” j
Corrupting and depraving morals. (For this subject, see “ Endangering
life, morals, etc.,” hereunder.)
Cruelty, societies for prevention of. (For this subject, see “ Abuse and
cruelty,” hereunder, and also “ C-2.” )
Disposing of child for unlawful purposes. (For this subject, see “ Endan
gering life, morals, etc.,” hereunder.)
Endangering life, morals, health, or limb. (See also “ F -l, Child labor
laws.” )
Foeticide. (For this subject, see “ Abortion, etc.,” hereunder.)
Gaming.
Indecencies with children.
Infanticide.
Medicines and poisons, distribution of.
Misdemeanor (definition and general penalty for).
Obscenity (literature, plays, pictures, etc.) (For this subject, see “ En
dangering life, morals, etc.,” hereunder.)
Prostitution, procuring girls for,, etc.
Receiving goods from minor unlawfully.
Sales, gifts, etc., unlawful (cigarettes, weapons, liquor, etc.)
Sexual crimes (age of consent, etc.)
Substitution of children.
Trials, indecent, etc. (exclusion of child, and of public when child
testifies.)
Miscellaneous—
Pregnant woman, suspension of execution.
Blindness of infants, failure to report. (For this subject, see “ D -2.” )
Concealment of birth. (See also “ A -5 ,” and “ D-5, Births, con
cealment of.” )
Unlawful employment of child. (For this subject, see “ F - l .” )

ENFORCEMENT AND ENFORCING AGENCIES.

<D) HEALTH AND SANITATION:

1 . ADMINISTRATIVE AND ENFORCING AGENCIES.
(Boards of health—Health officers—Miscellaneous.)

2 . BLINDNESS

OF INFANTS,
NEONATORUM.

PREVENTION

OF—OPHTHALMIA

3. HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN (for defectives, see “ 1 - 1 ” )—
Boarding homes for infants.
Children’s hospitals.
County and municipal hospitals (provisions for children in, and also
where indigents are specified.)

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(D) HEALTH AND SANITATION—Continued.
(3.) HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN—Continued.
Maternity hospitals.
Tuberculosis hospitals. (Provisions for children are specified. For
schools for tubercular children, see “ 1-1, Diseased, general provisions
for.” )
Other hospitals, provisions for children in.
Miscellaneous.
4. MID WIVES—
Registration of.
Regulations for practice of profession; licensing, etc.
Duty to report cases of infected eyes. (For this subject, see “ D -2.” )
Duties relative to reporting births. (For this subject, see “ D-5, Births
and deaths, registration of.” )
5. VITAL STATISTICS (birth registration, etc.)—
Births and deaths, registration of—
State and local authorities (registrars, etc.) charged with collecting
and recording vital statistics; enforcement.
Duty of midwives, physicians, householders, etc., to report births.
Certificate of birth, contents; illegitimacy, stillbirths, infantile
blindness, etc., reportable. (See also “ D -2 ” and “ D -4.” )
Births, concealment of. (See also “ A -5 ” and “ C -l, Miscellaneous.” )
Miscellaneous.

6. MISCELLANEOUS HEALTH LAWS—
Adulteration of candy. (Provisions are given where children are
specified.)
tv-jh
Antitoxins, etc., free to indigent.
Communicable diseases, where children are specified.
Divisions of child hygiene, establishment of. (See also “ D - l.” )
Milk regulations.
Public health or visiting nurses.
Vaccination of pupils, etc.
Venereal diseases.
(For alcoholics and narcotics, teaching effect of, see “ E -3” ; medical
and dental examination of pupils, see “ E -3 ” ; health and sanitation in
schoolhouses, etc., see “ E -3 ” ; health and sanitation in institutions,
see “ H -4 ” and “ 1-1.” )
7. RECREATION—
Civic and social centers (use of schoolhouses, public buildings, etc., for.)
Dance halls, theaters, etc., regulation of. (For admittance to, of minors,
see also “ C -l.” )
Playgrounds and recreation centers.
Public baths.
Miscellaneous.
(E) EDUCATION LAWS:
1. ADMINISTRATIVE
SUPERVISION
AND
CONTROL
briefly)—
Boards of education, school officers, etc.
School meetings.
Administrative units: Districts, consolidation of districts, etc.

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(indexed

STUDY AND REVISION OF C H ILD -W ELF ARE LAW S.

(E) EDUCATION LAWS—Continued.
2. FINANCES AND SUPPORT—GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.
(These laws are not included.
“ E -3.” )

For sanitation of schoolhouses, etc., see
•

3. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS AND •REGULATIONS—
Age of children entitled to educational facilities; other requirements.
Arbor day and other holiday provisions.
Alcoholics and narcotics, teaching effect of.
Colored children, separate provisions for.
Exclusion and expulsion of pupils.
Fire drills; fire escapes.
Health provisions and sanitation in schoolhouses.
Liquor traffic; sale of intoxicants within certain distance from schools.
Medical and dental examination of pupils.
School discipline.
Subjects taught.
Subnormal children, special provisions for.
Teachers, special qualifications of; attendance at institutes.
Textbooks, free.
Term, length of.
Transportation of pupils.
(For compulsory school attendance, school census, and truant and paren
tal schools, see “ F - 2 ” ; civic and social centers and playgrounds, see
“ D -7” ; school children, special aid to, see “ H - 6 ” ; schools for tuber
cular children, see “ 1-1, Diseased, general provisions for” ; vaccina
tion of pupils, see “ D - 6.” )
4. SPECIAL SCHOOLS—
Agricultural schools.
Continuation schools.
Domestic science. (See also “ Vocational, trade, and industrial schools,”
hereunder.)
Evening schools.
Kindergartens.
Manual training. (See also “ Vocational, trade, and industrial schools,”
hereunder.)
Trade and industrial schools. (See also “ Vocational, trade, and indus
trial schools,” hereunder.)
Vocational, trade, and industrial schools.
Miscellaneous.
(F) CHILD-LABOR LEGISLATION (indexed briefly):
1.

CHILD LABOR LAWS—
Minimum age (specifying occupations).
Employment certificates and records.
Hours of labor (specifying occupations).
Street trades.
Public exhibitions.
Enforcement.
Violations and penalties.

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(F) CHILD-LABOR LEGISLATION—Continued.
2. COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE—
Ages between which attendance is compulsory.
Attendance required.
Attendance of working children (day, evening, and continuation schools
included).
Enforcement; attendance and truant officers, etc.
School census.
Violations and penalties.
Truant and parental schools. (See also “ H -4.” )
(For employment during school hours, etc., see “ F - l.” )
(For compulsory school attendance of defectives, see “ 1-1.” )
3. APPRENTICESHIP—
Who may bind children as apprentices.
Terms of indenture (including schooling while employed, etc.).
Duties of parent, guardian, master, and apprentice.
Penalties for violation; master, apprentice.
Apprenticing by institutions; by overseers of the poor. (For this sub
ject, see “ H -4 ” ; “ H - 6, Almshouses, children in ” ; and “ H - 6, Poor,
relief.” )
4. WORKMEN’ S COMPENSATION—EMPLOYER’ S LIABILITY.
(All provisions in which minors are specified; minor employed, illegally
employed, etc.)
5. MISCELLANEOUS.
(In indexing preference is given to title “ F - l.” )

6. EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES.
(Provisions for children are specified.)
7. EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN (see also “ F - l ” )—
Before and after childbirth.
Hours of labor.
Minimum wage.
Seats, etc., provisions for.
(G) STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL CARE OF CHILDREN; GENERAL
PROVISIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION, SUPERVISION, AND MAIN
TENANCE:
1. STATE BOARDS OR DEPARTMENTS (names of boards, etc., speci
fied, and each treated separately)—

Creation and organization.
Jurisdiction, powers, and duties—
Children under direct control of. (See also “ H -5.” )
State and other institutions and agencies under control and juris
diction of.
MiscellaneousCharitable institutions, exemption of, from taxation.
Constitutional provisions.
Provisions for creating, etc. ; funds for maintenance.
2. COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL BOARDS OR AGENCIES.

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(H)

DELINQUENT, DEPENDENT, AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN (see also “ G ” ):
1. GENERAL—
Acts which render child delinquent (certain specific acts, smoking
cigarettes, carrying weapons, etc.). (See also “ H -2.” )
Adult responsibility for delinquency and dependency. (See also
“ H -3.” )
Capacity to commit crime.
Delinquent and dependent, bringing into State.
Dependent and neglected, commitment and care of—
Court having jurisdiction, etc.
Certain provisions apart from juvenile court and institutional laws,
which do not properly fall under subjects given below.
Miscellaneous.
2. TREATMENT OF DELINQUENT MINORS APART FROM JUVE
NILE COURT AND INSTITUTIONAL LAWS (see also
Court having jurisdiction.
Provisions for treatment of minors—
Above juvenile-court age (generally between 16 and 21).
In States having no juvenile-court law.
3. JUVENILE COURTS—
Creation, designation, and organization of court; appointment, term,
and qualifications of judge, etc.
.
Jurisdiction—.
Children of certain ages; delinquent and dependent as defined.
Of parents, guardians, etc.; of contributory delinquency and de
pendency, etc.
Extent of jurisdiction in general.
Probation officers—
Appointment, duties and powers, compensation, etc.
Referees, etc., appointment and duties of.
Procedure—
Petition; summons; trial, how conducted, etc.; appeal, etc.
Release pending hearing; recognizance, detention homes, etc.
Final disposition of child—
Placing under probation—leaving child in own home, placing in a
family home, etc., or committing to detention home, etc.
Commitment to an institution; powers and duties of institution to
which committed.
Advisory board, appointment, organization, and duties of, etc.
Disqualification of child.
Contributory delinquency and dependency.
Miscellaneous—
Civil liability of child; medical care of child during proceedings,
ete.
4. INSTITUTIONS FOR DELINQUENTS AND DEPENDENTS—
( Name and kind o f institution—State, county, municipal, semipublic, or
private—is specified, and each is treated separately.)
Institutions for delinquents (State)—
Establishment, organization, management, and maintenance.
Supervision and inspection by State board, etc. (See also “ G.” )
Health and sanitation—regulations and inspection.

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(H) DELINQUENT, DEPENDENT, AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN—Continued.
4. INSTITUTIONS FOR DELINQUENTS AND DEPENDENTS—Contd.
Institutions for delinquents (State)—Continued.
Object and jurisdiction of institution—
Age limitations.
Classes of children committed and received.
Courts or judges committing—
Procedure.
Term of commitment.
Jurisdiction and supervision after commitment.
Examination on entering institution; provisions for treatment.
Expenses and support, liability for (parent, county).
Treatment of inmates—
Exceptional offenders, special provisions for.
Defective children, transfer and removal of.
Correctional methods.
Education and training.
Employment in institutions.
Placing out and apprenticing of children.
Parole—Transfer—Discharge.
Miscellaneous.
( County, municipal' semipublic, and private institutions are treated simi
larly; provisions for financing, State aid, etc., andfor licensing o f private
institutions are specified.)
Institutions for dependents (State)—
Establishment, organization, management, and maintenance.
Supervision and inspection by State board, etc. (See also “ G.” )
Health and sanitation—regulations and inspection.
Admission—Commitment—
Procedure.
Classes of children received.
Age limitations; how long retained, etc.
Physical and mental examinations upon entrance.
Delinquent children, transfer and removal of.
Expenses and support of child ; payment by county, by parent.
Education and training; employment in institution.
Placing out—Apprenticing—Adoption.
Miscellaneous.
( County, municipal, semipublic, and private institutions and agencies are
treated similarly ; provisions for financing, State aid, etc., andfor licensing
of private institutions and agencies are specified. )
Institutions for delinquents and dependents.
(In indexing preference is given to the two preceding titles, unless
the law clearly indicates that both classes, are received in an insti
tution. For subjects covered, see “ Institutions for delinquents”
and “ Institutions for dependents,” hereunder.
Institutions in general.
(Certain constitutional and other provisions applying to institutions
in general are specified.)

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(H) DELINQUENT, DEPENDENT, AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN—Continued.
5. PLACING -O R BOARDING OUT OF CHILDREN (by iState, county,
or municipal boards)—
Classes of children received.
Age limitations.
Authority of board over vari.ous classes.
Method of placing.
Placement agents, investigation, supervision, etc.
Provisions for temporary care.

6. STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL RELIEF, PENSIONS, ETC.—
Almshouses, children in.
Children born in institutions, disposition of.
Legal settlement of child. (For this subject, see “ Poor relief,” here
under.)
Mothers’ pensions.
Pensions, miscellaneous.
Poor relief.
School children, special aid to.
Soldiers’ and sailors’ dependents.
Support of family of inmate of penal or other institution.
Miscellaneous.
(I) DEFECTIVE CHILDREN

1 . GENERAL

{see also

PROVISIONS
FOR DEFECTIVES—

“ G” ):
FOR

DEFECTIVES—INSTITUTIONS

{N a m e and hind o f in stitu tion — State, cou nty, m u nicipa l, sem ip ublic, or
private— is specified, and each is treated separately.)

Blind, general provisions for—
State commission for.
State aid to, within their homes.
Education of, in public schools.
Compulsory school attendance.
Books and readers for the blind, provisions for, by State.
Enumeration of, etc.
Blind, institutions for (State)—
Establishment, organization, management, and maintenance.
Supervision and inspection by State board, etc. {See also “ G.” )
Health and sanitation—regulations and inspection.
Admission or commitment—
Procedure.
Age limitations.
Classes of children received. *
Compulsory commitment, etc.
Custodial powers.
Expenses and support of child; payment by county, by parent.
Education and training; employment in institution.
Expulsion—Transfer—Parole— Discharge.
Supervision or aid after leaving institution.
Miscellaneous.
181786—20----- 3

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s t a t e c o m m is s io n s f o e t h e

<I) DEFECTIVE CHILDREN—Continued.

1 . GENERAL

PROVISIONS FOR
FOR DEFECTIVES—Continued.

DEFECTIVES—INSTITUTIONS

( County, municipal, semipublic, and private institutions are treated simi
larly; provisions fo r financing, State aid, etc., andfo r licensing o f privât:
institutions are specified.)
Crippled and deformed, general provisions for—
Education in public schools; State aid to, etc.
Compulsory school attendance.
Crippled and deformed, institutions and hospitals for (State hospital;
State university hospital, etc.)—
Duties of hospital official.
Assignment of competent surgeon to case.
Who may receive treatment—indigent and other children.
Expenses and support of child; payment by city, county, parent.
Miscellaneous.
(For provisions for treatment and separate departments in institu
tions for dependents, see “ H-4, Institutions for dependents.” )
Deaf and dumb, general provisions for—
Education in public schools; State aid to, etc.
Compulsory school attendance.
Deaf and dumb, institutions for—
(For subjects covered, see “ Rlind, institutions for, ” hereunder.)
Diseased, general provisions for—
Education of tubercular children in open-air schools; State aid to,
etc.
Miscellaneous.
Diseased, institutions for.
(For this subject, see “ D-3. ” )
Feeble-minded and epileptic, general provisions for—
Commissions for studying treatment, needs, and care of.
Statistics relating to, '©fee.
Miscellaneous.
Feeble-minded and epileptic, institutions for.
(For subjects covered, see “ Blind, institutions for,” hereunder.)
Insane, hospitals for—
General provisions for admittance.
Provisions lor children.
Miscellaneous.
Institutions in general.
(Certain constitutional and other provisions applying to all institu
tions for defectives are specified; in indexing preference is given
to “ Institutions in general, ” under Title “ H-4. ” )
Miscellaneous.
2. PREVENTION OF TRANSMISSION OF DEFECT—
Asexualization.
Miscellaneous.
(For marriage and divorce of feeble-minded, epileptic, etc., see
“ A -3 ” ; for sexual crimes committed with defectives, see “ C -l,
Sexual crimes. ” 1

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(J)

MINOR’S CAPACITY OR INCAPACITY TO ACQUIRE RIGHTS AND TO
INCUR LIABILITIES:
1. RIGHTS AND DISABILITIES
STATUS, ETC.)—

GENERAL

(MINOR’S CIVIL

Age of majority.
Capacity in which minor may act.
Capacity to appoint others to act.
Capacity to make a will.
Legal disability, what constitutes.
Legal disability, removal of.
Witnesses, minors as.
Miscellaneous.

2 . MISCELLANEOUS RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES—
Actions. (For real actions, .see “ Real property,” hereunder.)
Right of action, who has.
Capacity to sue and be sued; guardian ad litem, necessity and pinpose o f appointment, etc.
Procedure : Summons, how served, etc.
Effect of attaining majority during action.
Judgment •review of action, appeal, etc.
Limitation of actions.
Citizenship of minor.
Contracts.
Inheritance and testamentary rights. (For adopted and illegitimate
children, see “ A -4 ” and “ A-5. ” )
Personal property.
Real property. (For care of property b y guardian, see “ B, ” )
Torts: Wrongs, liability for.
Miscellaneous.

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SOCIAL LEGISLATION AFFECTING CHILD WELFARE.
COMPILATIONS AND SUMMARIES OF STATE LAWS.
California.
A Guide to California Laws Pertaining to Charities and Corrections. The State
Board of Charities and Corrections, May, 1916. San Francisco, 1916.
California Laws and Rules of the State Board of Control Relating to State Aid for
Orphans, Half Orphans, Abandoned Children, and Foundlings. Board of Control,
July, 1919. Sacramento, 1919.
California Laws of Interest to Women and Children. 1917. The California State
Library. Sacramento, 1918.
Eighth Biennial Report of the State Board of Charities and Corrections of the State
of California, from July 1, 1916, to June 30, 1918. Sacramento, 1918.
Laws affecting the work of the board, pp . 143—152; index of laws, pp . 153-155.

Laws Relating to Orphans and Their Support.

Compiled by the State library, 1914.

Colorado.
,
Seventh and Eighth Biennial Reports of the Colorado State Bureau of Child and.
Animal Protection, December 1, 1912, to November 30, 1916. Denver, 1917.
Contains references to laws of Colorado for the prevention of wrongs to children and animals.

The State Board of Charities and Corrections.

Bulletin No. 1.

Denver, Colo. [1920].

Laws governing the State board of charities and corrections; sum m ary of digest of laws relating to
social welfare; criminal laws.

Connecticut.
Statutes and Public Acts Relating to the Connecticut School for Boys, the Connec
ticut Industrial School for Girls, County Temporary Homes for Dependent and
Neglected Children; Other Measures Concerning Delinquent, Defective, and
Dependent Children, State and Town Poor, the State Board of Charities. State
of Connecticut, Public Document No. 28, Special No. 2. October, 1914.
Illinois.
General Information and Laws Effective July 1, 1917. Compiled by Edward J.
Brundage. Illinois Department of Public Welfare. Springfield, 1918.
Revised Manual of Juvenile Laws. Compiled and revised by Harry E. Smoot.
Juvenile Protective Association of Chicago, 1916.
The Charity, Penal, Correctional, and Social Statutes of Illinois. Compiled by the
State Charities Commission to January 1, 1917. Springfield, 1917.
Indiana.
Digest of the Laws of Indiana of Special Application to Women and Children Leg
islative Reference Department. Indiana State Library Bulletin No. 5. Indian
apolis, Ind. April, 1912.
State of Indiana Laws Concerning Children.

.¿¡t
.
Compiled by the Board of State Chan-

t/ios March 1 1914«
The Indiana Bulletin of Charities and Correction, No. 116 (March, 1919).

“ Social

Legislation in 1919.”
Iowa.
Briggs, J. E.: Social Legislation in Iowa.
Iowa City, 1914.
36

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The State Historical Society of Iowa.

STATE COMMISSIONS FOE REVISION OF CHILD-W ELFARE LAW S.

Kentucky.
Laws and Decisions of the Commonwealth of Kentucky Pertaining to Insanity and
the Charitable Institutions. 1911. Compiled under the direction of the Kentucky
State Board of Control for Charitable Institutions, by Judge A. J. G Wells Mur
ray, Ky.
Maryland.
Manual of the Baltimore Society for the Protection of Children, Containing the Laws
Relating to Minors. Compiled by Lewis Hochheimer. Printed by William T.
Robinson, Baltimore, 1900.
.
’
Massachusetts.
Legislation for the Insane in Massachusetts with Particular Reference to the Vol
untary and Temporary Care Laws, by Frankwood E. Williams, M. D. Massachu
setts Society for Mental Hygiene. Publication No. 5.
A Manual of Laws Relating to the State Board of Charity of Massachusetts, Boston,
1915. Laws affecting the board passed by legislature each year included in annual
reports of State board of charity—1916, 1917, 1918.
S e e a l s o A n act to organize in departments the executive and administrative functions of the Com
monwealth. General A cts, 1919, ch. 350.

Probation Manual.

The Commission on Probation.

Boston, July, 1916.

Contains laws relating to probation, and Massachusetts decisions.

Report of the Commission on Probation under Chapter 34 of the Resolves of 1915,
Relative to the Juvenile Law. Senate No. 330. Boston, 1916.
Michigan.
Laws of Michigan Relating to Women. Michigan State Library. Legislative Ref
erence Department, Lansing, 1916.
Laws Relating to Board of Corrections and Charities; Juvenile Courts and County
Agents, with annotations from opinions rendered by the Attorney General’s depart
ment. Lansing, Mich., 1911.
Michigan State Board of Corrections and Charities, Twenty-fourth Biennial Report
1917-18.
■
r
>
Contains: Acts relating to m aternity hospitals, child caring and placing, hoarding homes, uniform
probation, juvenile courts, the State board of corrections and charities, medical treatment for chil
dren of indigent parents, adoption and change of name of minors; citation to laws relating to juveniles.

State of Michigan Laws Relating to Juveniles. Compiled under the supervision of
Coleman C. Vaughan, secretary of state. Lansing, 1916.
Minnesota.
A Compilation of the Laws of Minnesota Relating to Children, 1919. Compiled by
William Hodson, director, children’s bureau, State board of control, St. Paul
Minn., 1919.
Supplemented b y chs. 50-52, Sp. Sess., 1919.

Missouri.
(See references under Reports of Children’s Code Commissions.)
Nebraska.
State of Nebraska. Department of Public Welfare. Titles I and VI—Article 2,
Divisions X and X I, chapter 190, 1919 Session Laws. (Laws creating Department
of Public Welfare, State Child-Welfare Bureau, and Children’s Code Commission.)
Provisions relating to maternity homes, placing dependent and delinquent chil
dren. Department of Public Welfare, Lincoln, 1919.

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New Hampshire.
Laws Relating to the State Board ef Charities and Correction. Twelfth Biennial
Report of the New Hampshire State Board of Charities and Correction, for the
Biennial Period Ending August 31, 1918. Vol. IY, Part III, pp. 9-37.
New Jersey.
A Guide to the Laws of New Jersey Relating to Children. The New Jersey Child
Labor and Welfare Committee, 50 Munn Avenue, South, East Orange, N. J. [1917?].
Law Creating a State Board of Control of Institutions and Agencies and a Department
of Institutions and Agencies, chapter 147, Laws of 1918, and amendments and
supplements, 1919.
The Child-Welfare Law. 1918. “ Law of 1915 as amended in 1918.”
New York.
Ma.rma.l for Probation Officers in New York State.
The State Probation Commission, Albany, 1918.

Second edition, revised, 1918.

Contains laws relating to probation.

State Board of Charities of the State of New York. Fiftieth Annual Report, 1916.
Vol. III. Manual of Laws and Rules of the Board. Albany, 1917.
Succeeding annual reports of State board include social legislation passed each year— 1917,1918.

North Carolina.
The Bulletin of the North Carolina State Board of Charities, and Public Welfare.
Vol. 3 (January-March, 1920). “ Laws governing public-welfare work.”
Laws and Facts Relating to the Work of the North Carolina State Board of Charities
and Public Welfare. Raleigh, 1917.
Ohio.
“ Children’s Code—1913.” An act; a bill to amend and supplement sections 1349,
1350, etc., * * * of the General Code * * * 1913. Senate bill No. 18.
Laws of Ohio Relating to Benevolent and Correctional Institutions, Boards and
Officers, and to Kindred Subjects. The Ohio Bulletin of Charities and Correction,
vol. 22 (January, 1916).
Social Legislation Enacted by the Eighty-Second General Assembly of Ohio. Ohio
Institute for Public Efficiency, Columbus, April, 1917.
Pennsylvania.
A Compilation of the Laws Relating to Juvenile Courts and Dependent, Neglected,
Incorrigible and Delinquent Children. Prepared by John H. Fertig and S. Ed
ward Hannestad under the direction of James N. Moore, director. Legislative
Reference Bureau. Harrisburg, Pa., 1916.
A Compilation of the Laws Relating to the Board of Public Charities with Important
Provirions of the Laws Relating to the Several State Institutions and the Rules
and Regulations of the Committee on Lunacy. Indexed. Prepared by John H.
Fertig and Frank M. Hunter, under the direction of James N. Moore, director.
Legislative Reference Bureau, Harrisburg, Pa., 1916.
Handbook of Social Laws of Pennsylvania. Compiled and edited by Ward Bonsall.
The Associated Charities of Pittsburgh and the Philadelphia Society for Organizing
Charity. November, 1914.
South Carolina.
The Laws of South Carolina Relating to: (I) The Delinquent Classes; (II) the
Dependent Classes, based upon the State Constitution, 1895, the Code of 1912,
Volumes I and II, the Acts of 1912-1916, inclusive. Compiled and summarized
by Albert S. Johnstone. The State Board of Charities and Corrections, Columbia,
S. C., 1916. The Quarterly Bulletin, VoL II (June, 1916).

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STUDY AND REVISION GF CHILD-W ELFARE LAW S.

Utah.
Laws of Utah Relating to Juvenile Courts and Laws Governing the Care, Management,
Detention, and Disposition of Dependent, Incorrigible, and Unruly Children, etc.
Published by authority of Juvenile Court Commission, 1913. Salt Lake City.'
Vermont.
Charities and Probation Laws of the State of Vermont.
Published by authority. 1918.

(Chs. 318, 319, and 165.)

Virginia.
Probation Manual with Analysis of the Probation Laws of Virginia. The State
Board of Charities and Corrections. Richmond, 1918.
Summary and Analysis of the Juvenile Laws in Virginia, by Hon. James Hoge Ricks.
Revised and issued under the direction of the State Board of Charities and Correc
tions, Richmond, 1918.
West Virginia.
A Guide to the Laws of West Virginia Affecting Child Welfare. West Virginia State
Conference of Chanties and Correction. L. M. Bristol, chairman of committee.
Morgantown. (Through legislation of 1917.)
Wisconsin.
Statutes Relating to the Protection, Reformation, and Welfare of Children. Com
pilation by Miss Edith Foster, Juvenile Protective Association, Milwaukee. Printed
by the legislature of 1919, Madison.
Wyoming.
Wyoming Laws for the Protection of Children and Animals, 1911. The Wyoming
Humane Society and State Board of Child and Animal Protection. State capitol,
Cheyenne, Wyo.
Wyoming s Humane Legislation. 7 Biennial Report of the Wyoming Humane
Society and State Board of Child and Animal Protection, for Two Years Ending
November 30, 1916, pp. 20-22.
COMPARATIVE COMPILATIONS OF LAWS OF THE VARIOUS STATES.
A Summary of the Laws of the Several States Governing: (I) Marriage and Divorce
of the Feeble-Minded, the Epileptic, and the Insane; (II) Asexualization; (III)
Institutional Commitment and Discharge of the Feeble-Minded and the Epileptic,
by Stevenson Smith, Madge W. Wilkinson, and Lovisa C. Wagoner. The Bailey
and Babette Gatzert Foundation for Child Welfare. May, 1914. The Bulletin of
the University of Washington, No. 82.
Child Labor, Education, and Mothers’ Pension Laws in Brief. Compiled by Florence
I. Tayor. National Child Labor Committee Pamphlet 249. Revised November
1917. New York City.
Guild, Frederic Howland: State Supervision and Administration of Charities. Indi
ana University Studies, Vol. III (November, 1916). Study No. 33.
Hall, Fred S., and Brooke, Elisabeth W .: American Marriage Laws in Their Social
Aspects. A Digest. Russell Sage Foundation, New York, 1919.
Hamilton, Samuel W., M. D., and Haber, Roy: Summaries of State Laws Relating to
the Feebleminded and the Epileptic. The National Committee for Mental Hy
giene, Publication No. 12 . New York, 1917.
Hannan, William E.: Mothers’ Pension Legislation in New York and Other States.
New York State Library, Legislation Bulletin 41. The University of the State
of New York, Albany, 1916.

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Hart, Hastings H., editor: Juvenile Court Laws in the United States; a summary by
States, by Thomas J. Homer; a topical abstract, by Grace Abbott; and the new
juvenile court law of Monroe County, N. Y . Russell Sage Foundation, Chanties
Publication Committee, New York, 1910.
Laws of the Various States Relating to Vagrancy. Revised edition. Michigan State
Library, Legislative Reference Department, Lansing, 1916.
Legislation for the Protection of Animals and Children. Edited by Samuel McCune
Lindsay. Bulletin of Social Legislation of the Henry Bergh Foundation for the
Promotion of Humane Education, No. 2. Columbia University, New York, May,
1914.
New York State Probation Commission. Eighth Annual Report for the Year 1914.
Albany, 1915.
Citations of allstatutes in eflect relating to probation, juvenile courts, adult contributory delinquency,
and juvenile detention homes, enacted up to January 1,1916.

( B y States.)

pp. 419-426.

---------Annual reports for the years 1915, 1916, 1917.
Citations of laws enacted b y all States, 1915,1916,1917.

Porritt, Annie G.: Laws Affecting Women and Children in the Suffrage and NonSuffrage States. National Woman Suffrage Publishing Co. (Inc.), New York City,
1916.
Summaries of State Laws Relating Largely to Centralized State Authority or Super
vision over Public and Private Benevolent, Penal, and Correctional Institutions.
Compiled by the Civic Federation of Dallas. Texas Conference of Social Welfare,
Dallas, Tex., 1918.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UNIFORM LAWS.
Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.
Child labor.—An act to regulate the employment of children and to make uniform
the laws relating thereto. Adopted, approved and recommended for adoption
in the various States by the Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.
Report of the Thirty-third Annual Meeting of the American Bar Association
(1910), p. 1157.
D ivorce. —Draft of an act to make uniform the law regulating annulment of marriage
and divorce. Adopted, approved and recommended for adoption in the various
States by the Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Report of
the Thirtieth Annual Meeting of the American Bar Association (1907), p. 1243.
E xtradition o f persons o f u n sou n d m in d . —An act to provide for the extradition of per
sons of unsound mind, and to make uniform the laws of the States which enact
the same (n. p., 1916). Adopted, approved and recommended to the various
legislatures for enactment into law by the National Conference of Commissioners.
Proceedings of the Twenty-fifth Annual Meeting of the National Conference of
Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (1915), p. 382.
F a m ily desertion.—An act relating to desertion and nonsupport of wife by husband,
or of children by either father or mother, and providing punishment therefor;
and to promote uniformity between the States in reference thereto. Adopted,
approved and recommended for adoption in the various States by the Conference
of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Report of the Thirty-third Annual
Meeting of the American Bar Association (1910), p. 1179.
Marriage and marriage license.— A n act relating to and regulating marriage and mar
riage licenses. Adopted, approved and recommended for adoption in the various
States by the Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Report of
the Thirty-third Annual Meeting of the American Bar Association (1910) , p. 1130.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

STUDY AND REVISION OP CHILD-W ELFARE LAW S.

Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws—Continued.
Marriage evasion.—An act on the subject of marriages in another State or country in
evasion or violation of the laws of the State of domicile. Adopted, approved
and recommended for adoption in the various States by the Conference of Com
missioners on Uniform State Laws. Proceedings of the Twenty-fourth Annual
Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, held at Washington D C
October, 1914, p. 201.
& ’ ’ ’
Workmen's compensation.— Uniform workmen’s compensation act.
proved and recommended for adoption in the various States by
o Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. Proceedings of the
Annual Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, held
D. C., October, 1914, p. 307.

Adopted ap
the Conference
Twenty-fourth
at Washington

“ Proposed Model Juvenile Court Law,” and “ Suggested Act for Contributing to
Delinquency or Neglect, ” m Juvenile Courts and Probation, pp. 256-278, by Bernard
rlexner and Roger N. Baldwin. The Century Co., New York, 1916.
Uniform Divorce Laws. Proceedings of the adjourned meeting of the National ConD!vorce Laws>held at Philadelphia, Pa., November 13, 1906.
Why Should Births and Deaths be Registered? A summary of the history and present
condition of vital statistic laws, including the text of the model bill. American
Medical Association, 535 North Dearborn Street, Chicago.
COMPILATIONS PUBLISHED BY GOVERNMENT BUREAUS.
Bureau of the Census, U. S. Department of Commerce.
B I M in the United States, The, 1910. Part IV. Summary of State laws relative
to the blind and the prevention of blindness. Prepared in the Bureau of the
Census by Louis C. Taylor and Abraham Shefferman. Washington, 1917.
Legislation including session laws of 1916.

Deaf Mutes in the United States. Analysis of the census of 1910 with summary of
State laws relative to the deaf, as of January 1 , 1918. Washington 1918
Insane and Feeble-Minded in Institutions, 1910. Summary of laws relative to the
care of the insane, pp. 64-105; prepared in the Bureau of the Census by Mary F
Gnffin and Louis C. Taylor. Washington, 1914.
Legal Importance of Registration of Births and Deaths. Report of Special Commi ee on \ital Statisties to the Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State
Laws. Pamphlet No. 108. Washington, 1908
M^ m g e nnd Divorce: 1867-1906. Part I. Summary, la™, foreign statistic,,
Special reports. Washington, 1909.
R e l a t i o n of Births and Deaths. Drafts of laws and forms of certificates. Second
edition, Washington, 1906.
Su“ “ ary of State Laws P la tin g to the Dependent Classes, 1913.

Washington,

Bureau of Education, U. S. Department of the Interior.
®d? cati°nal Legislation for the Guidance of Committees on Education
m the State Legislatures; prepared under the direction of the Rural Division
U. S Bureau of Education. Bulletin, 1919, No. 4. Washington, 1919
Compulsory School Attendance. Bulletin, 1914, No. 2 . Washington, 1914.
Kindergarten Legislation. Louise Schofield. Bulletin, 1916 No 45 Wash
mgton, 1917.
•
’
vvasnRecent State Legislation for Physical Education. Thomas A. Storey and Willard
S.^ Small. Bulletin, 1918, No. 40. Washington, 1919 .
1919, No. 13.

Legislation’ 1917 and 1918.
Washington, 1919.

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

William R. Hood.

Bulletin

’

STATE COMMISSIONS FOB T H E

Bureau of Education, U. S. Department of the Interior—Continued.
State Laws Relating to Education Enacted in 1915, 1916, and 1917. Compiled by
William R. Hood. Bulletin, 1918, No. 23. Washington, 1919.
State Laws Relating to Public Education in Force January 1,1915, Digest of. Com
piled by William R. Hood with the assistance of Stephen B. Weeks and A. Sidney
Ford. Bulletin, 1915, No. 47. Washington, 1916.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor.
Labor Legislation of 1918. Labor Laws of the United States Series, Bureau
Publication No. 257. June, 1919.
A compilation of labor laws to date was published in 1914: Labor Laws of the U nited States, with
Decisions of Courts, etc.
Parts I and II. Bulletin N o. 148. A supplement is published annually,
containing a cumulative index.

Workmen’s Compensation Laws of the United States and Foreign Countries. Jan
uary, 1917. Workmen’s Insurance and Compensation Series No. 8, Whole No.
203. Washington, 1917.
Workmen’s Compensation Legislation of the United States and Foreign Countries,
1917 and 1918, by Lindley D. Clark. Workmen’s Insurance and Compensation
Series. Whole No. 243 (September, 1918). Washington, 1918.
Supplement to bulletin N o. 203, with new and amendatory enactments made b y the State legis
latures during the year 1917 and up to July, 1918.

Bureau of War Risk Insurance, U. S. Treasury Department.
Digest of the Law Relating to- Common-Law Marriage in the States, Territories,
and Dependencies of the United States. Prepared for publication under the
direction of the Director of the Bureau of War Risk Insurance, Treasury Depart
ment, Washington, 1919.
Family Allowances, Allotments, Compensation, and Insurance for the Military
and Naval Forces of the United States Provided under Act of Congress approved
October 6, 1917. Explanation submitted by Hon. Julian W. Mack. Division
of Military and Naval Insurance, Bulletin No. 3, Washington, 1917.
Children’s Bureau, U. S. Department of Labor.
(See also complete list of publications of the Children’s Bureau, recently issued.)
Child-Labor Legislation in the United States, by Helen L. Sumner and Ella A.
Merritt. Industrial Series No. 1, Bureau Publication No. 10. Washington,
1915.
'
Child-Labor Legislation in the United States. Federal. Industrial Series No. 1,
Bureau Publication No. 10. Separate No. 55. Washington, 1916.
Care of Dependents of Enlisted Men in Canada, by S. Herbert Wolfe. Miscella
neous Series No. 10, Bureau Publication No. 25. Washington, 1917.
Decision of the United States Supreme Court as to the Constitutionality of the
Federal Child-Labor Law of September 1, 1916. Child-Labor Division Series
Circular No. 2. June 30, 1918. Washington, 1918.
Governmental Provisions in the United States and Foreign Countries for Members
of the Military Forces and Their Dependents, prepared under the direction of
Capt. S. Herbert Wolfe. Miscellaneous Series No. 11, Bureau Publication No.
28. Washington, 1917.
■
Illegitimacy Laws of the United States and Certain Foreign Countries, by Ernst
Freund. Legal Series No. 2, Bureau Publication No. 42. Washington, 1919.
Laws Relating to “ Mothers’ Pensions” in the United States, Canada, Denmark,
and New Zealand, by Laura A. Thompson. Legal Series No. 4, Bureau Publi
cation No. 63. Washington, 1919.
Maternity Benefit Systems in Certain Foreign Countries, by Henry J. Harris. Legal
Series No. 3, Bureau Publication No. 57. Washington, 1919.

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STUDY AND REVISION OE CHILD-W ELFARE LAW S.

Children’s Bureau* U. S. Department of Labor—Continued.
Minimum Standards for Child Welfare Adopted by the Washington and Regional
Conferences on Child Welfare, 1919. Conference Series No. 2 , Bureau Publication
No. 62. Washington, 1919.
Norwegian Laws Concerning Illegitimate Children: Introduction and Translation
by Leifur Magnusson. Legal Series No. 1, Bureau Publication No. 31. Wash
ington, 1918.
State Provisions Regulating the Importation and Exportation of Dependent Chil
dren, prepared by the Social Service Division, May 6, 1918. Mimeograph 185.
Washington, 1918.
Summary of Juvenile-Court Legislation in the United States, A. Edited by S. P.
Breckinridge. Legal Series No. 5, Bureau Publication No. 70. Washington,
1920.
Summary of State Laws and Rulings Relating to the Prevention of Blindness
from Babies’ Sore Eyes. Included in A Tabular Statement of Infant-Welfare
Work by Public and Private Agencies in the United States, pp. 106-111. Infant
Mortality Series No. 5, Bureau Publication No. 16.
The States and Child Labor. Lists of States with certain restrictions as to ages and
hours. Children’s Year Leaflet No. 13, Bureau Publication No. 58. Washington,
1919.
Conferences on legislation for the protection of children born out of wedlock, pro
ceedings of. Regional conferences held in Chicago and New York, under
auspices of United States Children’s Bureau, February, 1920. (In manuscript.)
Commissioner of Internal Revenue, U. S. Treasury Department.
Provisional Regulations 46, Relating to Tax on Employment of Child Labor. Pro
visional regulations covering the administration of Title X II of the revenue act
of 1918, tax on employment of child labor. Washington, 1919.
Rulings of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue Relating to Tax on Child Labor
under the Revenue Act of 1918. Washington, 1919.
Public Health Service, U. S. Treasury Department.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum. An analysis of the laws and* regulations relating
thereto in force in the United States, by J. W. Kerr. October, 1911. Bulletin
No. 49.
Organization, Powers, and Duties of Health Authorities. An analysis of the laws
and regulations relating thereto in force in the United States, by J. W. Kerr and
A. A. Moll. August, 1912. Bulletin No. 54.
State Laws and Regulations Pertaining to Public Health. Adopted during the
year 1916. Reprint No. 406, from the Public Health Reports 1916 and 1917.
Venereal Disease Legislation. A compilation of laws and regulations showing the
trend of modern legislation for the control of venereal diseases. January 18,1918.

W A S H IN G T O N : G O VERN M EN T P R IN T IN G O F F IC E : 1920

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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Full text of State Commissions for the Study and Revision of Child-Welfare Laws, Children's Year Follow-up Series No. 6, Bureau Publication No. 71

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