The House of Refuge

 

 

 

 

 

The New York City House of Refuge
In 1823, the society for the Prevention of Pauperism called for the development of the "house of refuge" to save children from lives of crime and poverty.
In 1824, the first house of refuge was created in New York City, it was made only for those who could still be "rescued".  Its purpose was to bring care and education to unfortunate children.
The children with more severe delinquency problems  were placed in adult prisons and jails.
The house of refuge became very popular and other cities copied the idea. It wasn't long before they came over-crowded and conditions deteriorated.

 

 

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