Minutes of the Boarding-Out Society (GRG27/33)

The regulations under the Destitute Persons Relief Act, 1866 and its 1872 successor, required that all children apprenticed or placed with a foster parent were to be visited by a person authorised by the Board at least twice a year. The Boarding-Out Society was formed in 1872 to carry out this function. The Society's work was superseded by the establishment of the State Children's Department in 1886.

Meetings were held in the Servants' Home on Flinders St. Caroline Clark was the Secretary, but due to Miss Clark's ill-health, Catherine Helen Spence frequently acted as Secretary. This volume, which commences on 1st July, 1879, is the only volume of minutes to have survived. At this time the Boarding Out Society consisted of Lady Ayers, Mrs Swan, Mrs Bakewell, Mrs Davenport, Mrs Colton, Mrs Price, Mrs Singleton, Mrs Clark, Miss Spence, Miss Kay, Miss Clark and Mr James Smith.

The minutes give details of business undertaken by the Boarding-Out Society, including particular cases. Appointments and resignations of official visitors are also given. Each minute includes numbers of reports from visitors tabled - 'Good', 'Tolerable' and 'Bad'. These reports do not seem to have survived, but were probably forwarded to the Destitute Board. Includes some newspaper cuttings.

Annual Reports of the Boarding Out Society, 1873-1886 are held by the State Library of South Australia.

1 volume. Tsf. 1782.