The records of the State Department of Social Welfare contain about 242 cubic feet of textual records one 16 mm film, one slide, two photograph negatives, three negative slides, and a number of photographs. The records cover the period from 1906 to1980.

The creation of a State Department of Social Welfare, in 1927, was a manifestation of earlier attempts, beginning in 1903, to place supervision of charitable activities in the hands of the state. The State Board of Charities and Corrections, created in that year, was charged with evaluating and reporting on 12 charitable and correctional institutions, 60 county hospitals and charity houses, 57 county jails, and 300 city and town jails and lock-ups. (Statutes of 1903, Chapter 363) In 1911, the Board was empowered by the Legislature to supervise the licensing and placement of dependent children in homes. In 1925, the Board was reorganized into the Department of Public Welfare. (Statutes of 1925, Chapter 18) Meanwhile, the State regulated most children’s activities under the State Board of Control – Children’s Department, formed in 1913. (Statutes of 1913, Chapter 323) This was superseded by the Bureau of Children’s Aid of the Department of Finance in 1921. (Statutes of 1921, Chapter 603)

242 cubic feet of textual records, one 16 mm film, one slide, two photograph negatives, three negative slides, and a number of photographs

For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives collections.

While the majority of the records are open for research, any access restrictions are noted in the record series descriptions. Records that are over 75 years old are open without restrictions, per Government Code Section 12237.