I was under the impression that legal adoption didn't come into force until 1927 rather than 1913. Can anyone confirm that?
The Adoption of Children Act of 1926 changed adoption from a private or amateur activity to a professional procedure, with trained Social Workers. This forum is entitled Adoption pre-1913 so as to abide by the 100 year rule, for privacy purposes. Edited to add: As each new year arrives, so will the forum title to reflect the 100 year rule.
If I think that a child was adopted prior to the 1926 Act, (possibly before 1911, as she does not appear with her family on that census) Please can you tell me what sort of evidence should I look for, to support the adoption theory ?
I suspect it is a matter of luck in reality. I found a child on one of my branches who was listed on one of the census as 'Adopted Daughter'. I got really lucky with that family as the adopted mother referred to her adopted daughter on her Will. Possibly on the Marriage Certificate there may be a reference to adopted father etc. Probably not much joy for you in those suggestions though.
Thank you, all suggestions are gratefully received. I did find one on the pension claim of a soldier in WW1. It was in the next of kin information and even gave her real name. That was luck indeed.
I have an 'adopted daughter' on the 1911 census who would appear to be in domestic service to the family, ie that child was working for her keep.
My grandfather is noted as "Adopted son" on the 1911 census. In fact he is with his mother and step-father. It looks to me like the step-father left his relationship column blank, and then whoever processed the data from the form added "Adopted son" because he had a different surname from the others.
I have some family on the 1911 and I believe on the 1901 where the word "Nurse Child" is used. I don't know if they were adopted legally, but I would like to think they were cared for and believe they were.
Nurse child = A child being looked after by another family for payment. I have also seen a child recorded as such when they have been fostered out by the Parish instead of being admitted to the workhouse.
I've also seen the explanation that if the mother could not feed the baby herself, they could be put with a 'wet nurse' who would be able to feed them. Karen
Thanks Jan. As with Mutters, I am desperately looking for some sort of evidence to support an adoption early 1900s - just hoping for a lucky break somewhere.
Last evening while looking for someone I found a family that had 4 "nurse children" living with them. They ranged in ages up to 4 years old and all had their birth place as N K. so I would think the family new little about the children's lives before they went to live with them. Much like foster children today ( Only you know their background)
I found a member of my family had a nurse child living with them in 1861. She later became their adopted daughter and lived with them until she married in 1878. This was in Lancashire.
My husband's grandfather was born in the workhouse and then 'adopted' in 1900. We researched this and it seems the workhouse either tried to have the children adopted by local families who were given a sum of money to help with the cost or if they were older they were sent abroad e.g. to Australia. Unfortunately the records we need to find any legal or other type of paperwork are not available. He lived with the adopted family in the 1901 and 1911 census.
Hello Lindac - welcome to Genealogy Specialists. If the Guardians' Minute Books are still available (check with the local archives) there might be a record there - or have you tried that route already?
Don't be disheartened Lindac, my G. Grandfather and his second wife had three "Nurse Children" Two boys and a Girl, the girl was with her brother (One of the two boys) had, I believe come from Romford workhouse. The two "boys" both ended up in Australia,subsequently both have died, one with no issue (although I do now, have his last known address) and the other one had two boys of his own, one of whom I have been in touch with via email and has sent me some lovely pictures of my early family, inc. one of myself as about a2 yr old, which I had never previously seen. i do have my suspicions that The two boys were SENT to Australia rather like The Bernardo's children were, but I stress only suspicion at present. arryboy
