| 8:17:17 PM - Fri, Dec 16th 2011 |
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Mostly, I'm interested in a general sense in the existence et al of State orphanages. This type of institution, it seems, is largely overlooked in asylum studies, whereas State Hospitals and State Schools, respectively, get the most attention. But I would guess that they were as ubiquitous as other asylums, such as those for the insane or the feeble-minded.
I don't know much about State orphanages, and my only experience with the RI State Home and School is by proxy through study of the RI School for the Feeble-Minded. Nevertheless, from my perspective it appears to be a rich topic. From what little I understand of it, the RISH&S, built on a cottage plan, wasn't very much different from the FM School, except that the children sent there were not tested or diagnosed as a prerequisite for their 'confinement.'
That said, as mentioned in my earlier post, quite a few children at the FM School came from the SH&S; in fact, children born of FM patients at Exeter were oftentimes sent to the SH&S only to be committed to the FM School when they reached age.
Of course, there were any number of religious orphanages - I would guess in any State - but by these observances, the State orphanage was certainly an integral cog in the institution machine.
Being preoccupied with my study of the Exeter School, I wouldn't have the time; but I think it would be a worthy effort for someone with the resources and interest to bring State orphanages into the fold of asylum studies. Being from RI, I of course would be most interested in seeing such study done in MA and CT. 
Quote:Evilavatar Fri 16th 6:29 pm
Ladd are you looking for current or past orphanges in the US? I know that Bethesda still has an active one in Georgia called the Bathesda Academy, but most closed or shifted toward smaller groups homes with deinstitutionalization in the 1950's on. Most children go into the foster/adoption system but those that do not find placements with a family somewhere usually go to some type of group home or orphanage. I have also head of one in Texas and a couple in North or South Carolina though I have no clue if they are still open. If you contact the Childrens Home Society they have a network of foster and adoption care groups that might be able to give you more information on current or historic facilities. Not really my specialty as I work with mostly adults, but I have some interaction with various agencies from time to time. PM me if you want more specifics.
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Edited On 8:19:06 PM - Fri, Dec 16th 2011 by Laddcurator
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