Action For Children starts nationwide search for descendants

[maggie_4_7]

... of first kids in care


https://news.sky.com/story/action-for-children-starts-nationwide-search-for-descendants-of-first-kids-in-care-11681342


Action For Children has released several historic images from its archives of vulnerable youngsters from the Victorian era.

A nationwide search is underway for the descendants of some of the first children to be placed into care in the UK.

To mark its 150th anniversary, the charity Action For Children has released several historic images from its archives of vulnerable youngsters from the Victorian era.

They were looked after in some of the oldest care homes in the UK, first established by Action For Children back in the late 1800s when it was known as the National Children's Home.

The first children in care

https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/our-history/archive-search/

[Phoenix]

I have just made contact with a distant cousin who had no idea that her ancestor was taken into care by the SPCC. It happened between censuses, and it was never spoken of in her family. It must have been known of within the wider family, and happened when my granny was a child herself, but I had no inkling either.
In this case, it was not neglect that prompted action, but deliberate cruelty.
I was very nervous of approaching her, as I had no idea what effect this would have had upon her ancestor.

[maggie_4_7]

I have just made contact with a distant cousin who had no idea that her ancestor was taken into care by the SPCC. It happened between censuses, and it was never spoken of in her family. It must have been known of within the wider family, and happened when my granny was a child herself, but I had no inkling either.
In this case, it was not neglect that prompted action, but deliberate cruelty.
I was very nervous of approaching her, as I had no idea what effect this would have had upon her ancestor.


As it is today I expect it was then, some children would have faired a lot better and some would not.

[maggie_4_7]

George was described by records at the Waterloo home as "hot tempered", adept at swearing, but "fairly truthful", healthy and "of good intellectual capacity".

The charity has managed to track down his great-grandson, Chris Barned, 36.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-47737097?fbclid=IwAR2wtrVPl1SdNX1Jrwp2z7qFJ819Bqbb iAJAJ-If2aRZ6L32F1q9jHNYeuU

[Kit]

I hope they can track down the families. I know the children died long ago but it would be nice that they have family claim them now. Without names though it is going to be difficult