ABSTRACT
The nineteenth century problem of street children, created by recurring economic crises, parallels contemporary problems of homelessness and youth violence. The programs developed to deal with these problems also have many similarities. Understanding the origins of both the social problems and the child welfare response is crucial to avoiding the mistakes of the past and developing effective programs. In many cities, children are engaging in criminal behavior to support themselves and joining gangs that threaten the safety and stability of urban neighborhoods. Knowledge of history is helpful in analyzing “innovative” programs and social policies to deal with “new” problems. Charitable organizations in the nineteenth century were, for the most part, responding to the social effects of economic change. The most far-reaching response to George W. Matsell's report was that of the Children’s Aid Society founded by Charles Loring Brace in 1853.
