Directory

We hold the records of The Children’s Society, detailing its work with children from its foundation in 1881 to the present day. The Archive collections comprise: management and administration records; financial records; fundraising, public relations and supporter relation records; social work records, including documents created by the residential care homes and social work projects, and records relating to children and young people; property management records; and records relating to staff. This includes 30,000 case files for children admitted into The Children’s Society’s care between 1882 and September 1926.

The Children’s Society was founded in 1881 by Edward Rudolf, who wanted to help the vulnerable children he saw around him in Victorian Britain. In its early history, The Children’s Society (then known as The Waifs and Strays Society) did this by running a network of children’s homes for poor and disadvantaged children. By the mid-1970s, the work of The Children’s Society had evolved away from children’s homes to focus on more innovative types of social work and child care. Today, The Children’s Society wants to create a society where children and young people are valued, respected and happy. We are committed to helping vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, including children in care and young runaways. We give a voice to disabled children, help young refugees to rebuild their lives and provide relief for young carers. Through our campaigns and research, we seek to influence policy and perceptions so that young people have a better chance in life. Children are at the heart of all we do. That’s why we want to build a better childhood - for every child.

For more information about The Children’s Society, please see this page: http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/about-us/our-organisation