Children's Aid Society

The Children's Aid Society was the first organization in Cleveland, Ohio, to aid homeless, orphaned, and poor children. Founded in 1854, the institution operated three industrial schools and also assisted in finding homes for its orphaned or abandoned wards through an adoption service. Eventually, the society transferred its industrial schools to the City of Cleveland, keeping just one school and a farm on Detroit Road which had been donated by Eliza Jennings. Inspired by a 1921 study by the Welfare Federation of Cleveland, the society changed its focus from an orphanage, school, and industrial home to a center for the care and treatment of mentally-impaired children. Its facilities included a child guidance clinic, directed by Dr. S.C. Lindsay, that was extremely successful in the community. After many years and shifts in policy, the society emerged as an accredited, residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed children. Its school on Detroit Road was renovated and children were admitted on referral only. The society charged only for the care of each child; gifts, benefits, and the work of three women's boards made up the difference. The Society has had numerous prominent Clevelanders on its boards, including John D. Rockefeller, Samuel Mather, Amasa Stone, Jeptha Wade, George Garretson Wade, Leonard C. Hanna, and Dr. S. Sterling McMillan. Its directors have included, among others, Robert Waterton, Rev. Willaim Sampson, Dr. Robert Bishop, and Dr. Jason F. Berwald.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for the Children's Aid Society