New York State Industrial School Weekly Record of Female Inmates' Behavior and Badges Earned
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Overview of the Records
New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
0.2 cubic feet
1 volume
Scope and Content Note
In 1871 the discharging committee suggested, and the board of managers approved, a ruling directing that a record of every inmate's conduct be kept in a "Badge Book." Under the badge system initiated in 1871, inmates earned a badge for 16 consecutive weeks of good behavior; inmates were eligible for parole when they had earned 4 badges and a good home was found for them. A grade of "1" was given for good behavior, "2" for worse behavior, and so on. The badge system was first described in the "Twenty-Third Annual Report of the Managers of the Western House of Refuge" (February 1872).
This volume recording grades for behavior provides date grade recorded; number of badges earned (sometimes); number of consecutive weeks of good behavior toward earning a badge (sometimes); inmate's name and number; grade for behavior during the past week; date paroled; and date recommitted or returned from parole. The volume was kept regularly until June 1895. From July 1895-December 1900, the only information recorded was inmate name and number; if paroled, discharged, or returned, and occasionally the date; and if died, and sometimes the date and/or cause of death.
Access Restrictions
Restricted in accordance with Executive Law, Section 501-c(1)(b), relating to confidentiality of individuals in custody of the Division for Youth (now Office of Children and Family Services).