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Research in Other Countries => Canada => Topic started by: audrey on Saturday 27 May 06 15:37 BST (UK)

Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: audrey on Saturday 27 May 06 15:37 BST (UK)
Just thought this might interest some of you

http://www.umanitoba.ca/colleges/st_pauls/ccha/Back%20Issues/CCHA1999/McEvoy.htm#_ftn8

audrey
Title: Re: Report into St Georges Home Ottawa
Post by: KarenM on Saturday 27 May 06 16:14 BST (UK)
Thanks for that link Audrey.

Did it provide any clues to Edward for you?

Karen
Title: Re: Report into St Georges Home Ottawa
Post by: audrey on Saturday 27 May 06 16:42 BST (UK)
Karen
not really but it certainly made me think I am beginning to understand  about a lot of things I am glad my mother never read the report it would of broken her heart to know her brother may have been subject to all that.  I just hope knowing the miserable life my mother had that some how Edwards turned out better I may never know , but one day I might just get a lead from some where

audrey
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Christopher on Friday 01 February 08 05:39 GMT (UK)


I looked at the British Home Children website which says that there are four to five million Canadian/American descendants and that they have 20,000,000 British Grandparents, Uncles, and Aunts. That's a larger number than a million or so that you mention in your post but what's four million people between friends and lost relatives who people may never be able to find? As the British Home Children site says ... "How could this many people not know they are related to one another? Their mutual searches have been hampered by the unwillingness of the childcare organizations to readily release vital personal information." Since the children were still being sent to Canada until the 1960s there must be some records ... I wonder how far back the records may go and if they are stored somewhere why is no one doing something about the situation. Why has no one started an online petition asking for the release of these records?
http://bhc.kindredbond.com


Christopher

Christopher has chosen to respond to a post on RESOURCES board.  I've moved it here for any further responses.
Moderator.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: KarenM on Saturday 02 February 08 01:08 GMT (UK)
Hi Christopher,

They say 1 in 10 Canadians is descended from a Home Child.  I think Privacy would be a major issue for these records as alot of the home children do/did not want people to know as there was a stigma attached.

Now if you want to talk about the fees for the family obtaining this information, that is charged, that's a horse of a different colour, it's ridiculous I think  >:(

Karen
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: brendam on Saturday 02 February 08 01:23 GMT (UK)
Hello Christopher and Karen (and whoever might post before I get this typed  ;))

My paternal grandmother was a British Home Child along with her younger sister.  I didn't know that until a few years ago when Mom called and asked what I was doing, I told her I was watching an amazing show on British Home Children.  That was when I learned my grandmother was a British Home Child (and when I started researching).  I have made some progress in my research, especially this week.  Beatrice and Louisa came from Worcester Union thru Middlemore Home.  I have sent emails and have not received any replies.  Maybe I should send a registered letter, I don't know.  It would be so nice to know what happened that the two youngest children in the family ended up being sent to Canada. 

In addition, while researching Mom's side of the family I found that a British Home Child married into the family.  I am trying to research him also, because somewhere he has roots in England and maybe someone might be wondering what happened to him.

This is a long process and hopefully some of the homes will open up and provide records that won't cost a small fortune.  Everyone deserves to know where and who they came from.  We all have to 'take the bad with the good'.  Bad news or good news is better than knowing nothing at all.

Brenda
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: waiteohman on Saturday 02 February 08 01:42 GMT (UK)
I can understand the records not being available to the general public when there are cases of illegitimacy and bigamy and these home children are fathers and grandfathers' of the living.

The release is and I feel it should be to next of kin only. In my case, my father whom is a pensioner and when you do currency exchange it is $100.00 Canadian. Who is going to pay that amount being told there is a file, but not knowing what, if any information is in it. This was 2 years ago. Disgusting on places like Barnardos.

Linda
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Christopher on Saturday 02 February 08 02:53 GMT (UK)
The release should be for the next of kin or possibly legal representatives of descendents. If a charge is to be made it should be kept as low as possible. People have a right to know about their background and not only for the purposes of researching their family history ... some of them may well require medical records relating to their families in Britain.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: brendam on Saturday 02 February 08 04:00 GMT (UK)
Hi Christopher,

I think a proven blood relative (with birth/marriage or whatever cert is required) should be able to obtain information on Home Children.  In my case, I am not next of kin, my Dad is still living at 83 (and I hope for many many more years).  He also has a sibling that is older.  I do not live in the same province as my Dad, but he does call me and ask me to look up stuff on "that computer thing"  ;)  He is very informed on the research I am doing on his Mom, but to ask him to order the information on my behalf would not be easy with the geographic distance between us (and have him worrying about fees that I woudl pay).  As for legal representative status, it would proably cost the sum of giving up my first born - even though at 16 she is a pain in the butt sometimes, I am not willing to give her up  ;D

This is a research area that differs for so many.  As far as I am concerned, I know my grandmother had many older siblings.  If we make contact with someone who knew of her situation, we just want to say, Beatrice did OK, she had a family, she had 10 children and has grandchildren, greatgrandchilden and gg grandchildren. 

cheers
B

Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Christopher on Saturday 02 February 08 04:21 GMT (UK)
Hi B,

These "computer things" are a great invention. 8)

C.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: brendam on Saturday 02 February 08 05:00 GMT (UK)
Hi C,

Do you remember back in the day when we used to use those things called 'typewriters' and had to make carbon copies.  And ... had to use the telephone (a landline of all things) to get the information to type on those typewriter thingies!

B
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Christopher on Saturday 02 February 08 06:04 GMT (UK)
Those were the days 8)

The University of Liverpool Special Collections and Archives section holds   The Fairbridge Society Archive material (http://sca.lib.liv.ac.uk/collections/colldescs/fairbridge.html) as well as  Barnardos, NCH, and Family Service Units. Access to these records is restricted on the grounds of confidentiality and by the provisions of the Data Protection Act. Prior permission to the access records should be obtained from the organisations themselves.

Christopher
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Monday 04 February 08 13:09 GMT (UK)
Hi everyone

Just to let you know that I have made enquiries about getting Home Children records for my "ancestors" and Dr Barnardo's ask for next-of-kin references and a death certificate and providing there are no children will release copies of records for - wait for it - £100 each!  So, not many of us will be able to afford that sort of money.  When I queried they told me that they do not make any money out of this and that in actual fact they make a loss.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Christopher on Monday 04 February 08 13:19 GMT (UK)
Hi everyone

Just to let you know that I have made enquiries about getting Home Children records for my "ancestors" and Dr Barnardo's ask for next-of-kin references and a death certificate and providing there are no children will release copies of records for - wait for it - £100 each!  So, not many of us will be able to afford that sort of money.  When I queried they told me that they do not make any money out of this and that in actual fact they make a loss.


I'm not surprised. If they dropped their prices at least there might be more money coming in. I don't understand why they are saying that they are making a loss when the University of Liverpool Special Collections and Archives section holds the records.

Christopher
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Monday 04 February 08 13:29 GMT (UK)
Hi Christopher

I think so too!  It's a shame when you know there is information to be had but out of bounds moneywise!

I presumed that the records were coming from Dr Barnardo's themselves.  Shame we can't get them from Liverpool!

Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Monday 04 February 08 13:38 GMT (UK)
Hi All,

I read this with interest, as two of my Great Uncles were sent to Canada as 'Home Children' by the NCH in the 1920's.

When the Shipping Lists became available online, my Uncle & I were able to find our relatives on them. I contacted the NCH Head Office in London & asked them for any records that they held on these boys. They wrote back saying that I would have to prove my relationship to them, (via BMD Certs, etc) before they could release anything. I compiled a dossier proving my blood relationship to them from my mother, & sent it to them.

The upshot was that the NCH then sent me everything that they had in their files on my G/Uncles...it makes for harrowing reading:-(

I should add that there was no charge made for this, although the photocopies that I was sent must have taken time & money to produce...

Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: KarenM on Monday 04 February 08 13:41 GMT (UK)
I think it depends on the organization  :-\

I believe Migky got his gr uncles papers from Salford Boys Refugee Home, hmm, can't remember, will have to pm Migky and ask him.

Karen
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Christopher on Monday 04 February 08 13:46 GMT (UK)
A detailed breakdown of that £100 would be interesting. I like their explanation when you queried the reasoning for the £100. Saying that they're making a loss neatly hides the fact that all they seem to be doing is giving you the authority to look at the records held by the University. A postage stamp, a sheet of paper, an envelope and the clerical worker's time can't possibly account for £100. There must be something else involved. Maybe when Barnados grant permission for you to look at the records the University charge them which is why they charge you.

Right ... Romilly wasn't charged by NCH, Cranstone was asked for £100 per head although permission to look at all documents is still covered by the postage stamp etc., and we're waiting for Migky's comments. I think you're right about Salford, Karen. Liverpool hold the records for Barnados and NCH. How come one search was free and the other is £100 per head? What are these Family Service Units mentioned on the University's site?

 The Child Migrants Trust (http://www.childmigrantstrust.com/ABOUT/Index.htm) was established in 1987 by its Director, Margaret Humphreys OAM, to address the devastating impact of the child migration schemes

Christopher
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Monday 04 February 08 17:05 GMT (UK)

Right ... Romilly wasn't charged by NCH, Cranstone was asked for £100 per head although permission to look at all documents is still covered by the postage stamp etc., and we're waiting for Migky's comments. I think you're right about Salford, Karen. Liverpool hold the records for Barnados and NCH. How come one search was free and the other is £100 per head? What are these Family Service Units mentioned on the University's site?
Christopher

It looks like the FSU have gone into administration, Christopher.

See: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2006/04/06/53469/family-service-units-in-administration.html
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.J. on Monday 04 February 08 20:52 GMT (UK)
 >:(   It really makes me angry when the records are held hostage as well. Dangling the "how much are they willing to pay for this information "carrot.  :P
  It saddens me that any one of us would do it all for free....
We often look through records all day for just a thank you...and although I under stand the hours and effort...Just what is the hourly rate paid, then?
  I say they should remove the expensive louts and have a semi-volunteer (honorarium rate type person) doing it...Joe archivist at $50.00 an hour shouldn't really be needed here...

ah...rant over.... ;D  J.J.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Mr. MIGKY on Wednesday 06 February 08 14:03 GMT (UK)
Hi Christopher, i was lucky to find records of two of our children from the same family in Salford children's home. They charged me nothing for copies of there records and contracts of them entering the Salford home . One of the two children was later taken out of the Salford home but the other one was not so lucky and was sent to Canada. After much searching i did manage to find him in Canada and with the great help of Karenm. i managed to get hold of his service records in the Canadian army. I managed to also get hold of his record after leaving the Salford home and records of him in the Marchmount Home Canada via the Barnardo’s tracing service. I think i paid around £30's but was told it could be more depending on how much research and records could be found.What i got was not much , just a report of his health and education for the time he was there  but i know of others that have been luckier and have photos of the family members. I think it is like every thing in this game it is the luck of the draw as to what you get for your money. I know the British red cross ask for £75 to search for any records of family members who were prisoners of war and depending on how long and how much they find will alter what they charge.
Migky ;)
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Tuesday 12 February 08 16:44 GMT (UK)
I have sent the forms of for sisters sent to Canada in 1900 I know their dates of birth addresses where born parents names which ship and when they sailed and where they landed , so I do hope they dont try to charge me £100 per child as it should not take much to find where they were placed.
I do so badly want the records.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Wednesday 13 February 08 11:18 GMT (UK)
I hope you get much more information too, I know the same things as you do for my people.

Best of luck, would be interested to know what you get.

Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Wednesday 13 February 08 11:21 GMT (UK)
Hi again

You said you hope they don't try to charge you £100 - did they not tell you first how much they charge?
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Wednesday 13 February 08 15:52 GMT (UK)
hi they said they would see what they could find first then let me know, and depending how much of the information I wanted would decide the cost ??? which I thought was a bit depressing as I obviously want all of it .
So no idea at the moment.
They also said they have so many applying it could take a long time.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Wednesday 13 February 08 15:56 GMT (UK)
hi they said they would see what they could find first then let me know, and depending how much of the information I wanted would decide the cost ??? which I thought was a bit depressing as I obviously want all of it .
So no idea at the moment.
They also said they have so many applying it could take a long time.


I have read that some organisations will let you go & read through the records in person, - & its only if you want photocopies that they charge...

Have you tried asking if this is a possibility? Or are they too far away for that to be a viable option?

Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Wednesday 13 February 08 16:19 GMT (UK)
Hi

Thank you for your reply.  Yes, I did ask this and they said  it wasn't possible.

They have said I can pay in instalments but it still works out at £100 each!

Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Wednesday 13 February 08 16:25 GMT (UK)

Hi Again,

Is this Barnado's who are charging £100 a record?

Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Wednesday 13 February 08 21:35 GMT (UK)
hi they never quoted me a price just that they would let me know depending on what they found and what I want !!!
It seems to not be a standard charge all over which seems unfair.
I wonder if they will let me look at what they find without sending me copies maybe when they reply I'll ask.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Wednesday 13 February 08 22:12 GMT (UK)
I wonder if they will let me look at what they find without sending me copies maybe when they reply I'll ask.

I think thats probably a good starting point... ;)

Good Luck!

Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Wednesday 13 February 08 23:20 GMT (UK)
thanks for that I really am not a patient person, so hope its not too long.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Thursday 14 February 08 11:03 GMT (UK)
Hello Eeyores4me

Who are you in touch with at Barnardo's?  The information they gave you is totally different from what they've told me, it might be interseting to see what your person of contact would charge me?
If you like I'll pass on the ladies name that I've been in touch with and we can see what she quotes you!
Good luck
Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Thursday 14 February 08 11:05 GMT (UK)
Hi Christopher
My inbox says I have a message from you, but nothing is coming up, so I apologise if you think I haven't replied but I haven't had anything recent?
Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Thursday 14 February 08 11:12 GMT (UK)
if you'd like to give me your email address I will forward on the email and forms I got
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Thursday 21 February 08 11:02 GMT (UK)
what a result got an answer today from Barnados giving me lots of info I did not know and all for free !!!!
Now know their mother remarried and had a half brother ,it gave the names of one of their siblings, a sister, a uncle ,a grandmother and addresses.
And the last know addresses of them in Canada WOW
I rang to thank them and if I send £10 they will provide photos of the girls too wow wow wow
I am over the moon
good luck everybody
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Thursday 21 February 08 11:32 GMT (UK)
whata result got an answer today from Barnados giving me lots of info I did not know and all for free !!!!
Now know their mother remarried and had a half brother ,it gave the names of one of their siblings, a sister, a uncle ,a grandmother and addresses.
And the last know addresses of them in Canada WOW
I rang to thank them and if I send £10 they will provide photos of the girls too wow wow wow
I am over the moon
good luck everybody


Thats great news!!!!

Well done you :) :) :)

And photos too...that really is the icing on the cake!!!!!
All Best Wishes, Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Thursday 21 February 08 11:36 GMT (UK)
isnt it wonderful ?? my feet have not touched the ground I am so excited.
Now for finding out what happened to them in Canada ??? any ideas ????
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Thursday 21 February 08 11:52 GMT (UK)
isnt it wonderful ?? my feet have not touched the ground I am so excited.
Now for finding out what happened to them in Canada ??? any ideas ????

This is where I got stuck... :'(

The Canadian Censuses are a good starting point, - also the BMDs there.

I would suggest that you do a Post on the Canada Board on here, asking for some help.

Good Luck!
Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Thursday 21 February 08 12:24 GMT (UK)
Also, I've ordered this book on British Home Children from our local Library, - & thought you might be interested: -

Title    :    New lives for old / Roger Kershaw and Janet Sacks
Publisher and date    :    Kew : National Archives , 2008
Description    :    224 p. : ill. ; 24 cm (hbk)
Notes    :    Telling the story of this controversial practice, from the accounts ofthose involved and the authentic records of the time, this book tracesthe people behind the migrations, from Dr Barnardo to Annie Macpherson,Louisa Birt to Maria Rye, exploring their beliefs and aspirations forthe children in their care.
Price    :    18.99
ISBN/Control No.    :    Control number: BDZ0007585424
ISBN    :    ISBN 9781905615179
ISBN 1905615175
Cataloguing source    :    Catalogued by:BDS
Class no. or Category    :    362.73'0971
Author    :    Kershaw , Roger
Subject    :    Home children (Canadian immigrants) - History
Children with social disabilities
Subject    :    Canada - Emigration and immigration
Other Author    :    Sacks , Janet

Cheers, Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Thursday 21 February 08 16:22 GMT (UK)
Hi

I have sent you a personal message also, but how lucky are you!  Well done!


Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Christopher on Wednesday 27 February 08 06:20 GMT (UK)
 Click here (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1999/03/24/60II/main40271.shtml) to read "The Lost Children" - After Many Years, Painful, Emotional Reunions on the CBSNews.com website in February 2002. "... Not only had they been exploited and abused. They had been deceived. They weren't orphans."
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Wednesday 27 February 08 11:59 GMT (UK)
thanks for your replies , I would love to know why their mother gave them up ?? the only thing I can think of is as she had another child a few years after her husband died maybe the father would not support these two ???
I cannot believe she walked on out them , although my grandfather her oldest child told the family he was an orphan ????
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Wednesday 27 February 08 12:00 GMT (UK)
Thanks Christopher

That was interesting reading, I wonder if mine were sent away without their parent's knowledge.

Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Wednesday 27 February 08 22:44 GMT (UK)
how terribly sad its made me wonder if mine knew their mother was alive ???
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Thursday 28 February 08 00:01 GMT (UK)
I also emailed the Barnados website and got an email back showing me Daisy on the 1901 census with a family in Canada and they will try and find if either of the girls married , that would be great have emailed back to say yes please !!!!
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Thursday 28 February 08 13:17 GMT (UK)
Hi Val

Could this be Daisy in 1911?
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Thursday 28 February 08 13:23 GMT (UK)
nothing has appeared Cranstone ????
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Thursday 28 February 08 14:21 GMT (UK)
Oops!  Sorry Val, I'll try again!

Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Friday 29 February 08 19:41 GMT (UK)
just spoken to somebody that requested their records and it cost £35 for the search and £65 for the pack of info
Does make you wonder who decides the prices.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Friday 29 February 08 19:46 GMT (UK)
just spoken to somebody that requested their records and it cost £35 for the search and £65 for the pack of info
Does make you wonder who decides the prices.

It does seem very unfair that its so inconsistent...

Romilly :o
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Friday 29 February 08 21:12 GMT (UK)
the only thing is she has lots of info it tells which homes he was in before he went and lots about him and has photos and everything
So maybe its worth it ,thats if they will let you have them ,they told me I have to prove they never had families of their own for all the reccords.
Might try again as I'd like to know why they were there when their mother was alive ????
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Friday 29 February 08 21:57 GMT (UK)
the only thing is she has lots of info it tells which homes he was in before he went and lots about him and has photos and everything
So maybe its worth it ,thats if they will let you have them ,they told me I have to prove they never had families of their own for all the reccords.
Might try again as I'd like to know why they were there when their mother was alive ????

In order to get the copied files on my Great Uncles, I had to prove my blood relationship to them. This involved sending copies of all the Certs that I had showing my direct links to them.

The letter that I got back said that normally records were only sent to the next-of-kin, but that they were sending them to me because I had put so much work into looking for them!

Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Saturday 01 March 08 00:20 GMT (UK)
really ?? well I have all the certs to prove it maybe I will have another go then thanks .
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Saturday 01 March 08 11:05 GMT (UK)
Hi everyone

We are certainly getting lots of different info arn't we!

Back later....

Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Saturday 01 March 08 18:37 GMT (UK)
its a shame its not a uniform service I do hope if I send the forms again they send me even more info I am going to try .
Good luck all
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Sunday 02 March 08 09:28 GMT (UK)
Good luck - let us know how you get on.

Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Leofric on Friday 11 April 08 17:21 BST (UK)
I have read these posts with great interest.

Could anyone tell me whether these children were given new surnames on leaving for Canada? And whether their birth certificates in the GRO in the UK were altered to match?
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Friday 11 April 08 18:47 BST (UK)
I have read these posts with great interest.

Could anyone tell me whether these children were given new surnames on leaving for Canada? And whether their birth certificates in the GRO in the UK were altered to match?

Hi Leofric,

This certainly wasn't the case with my relatives...but possibly it happened when children were adopted by their host families?

Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: ChrisM50 on Sunday 13 April 08 02:59 BST (UK)
Hello, I'm new to this as I have only just registered with Rootschat. My maternal grandmother was a home child, she never talked about it.
I have also contacted a Canadian group that claims to help, but I have never received so much as an acknowledgment of the request for information that I sent in.
 I was able to find out which ship she came over on, the home children project was a shameful way to treat children..............I have also seen the Lost Children TV show........many were no more than slaves to the people that "bought" them.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: ChrisM50 on Sunday 13 April 08 03:05 BST (UK)
the only thing is she has lots of info it tells which homes he was in before he went and lots about him and has photos and everything
So maybe its worth it ,thats if they will let you have them ,they told me I have to prove they never had families of their own for all the reccords.
Might try again as I'd like to know why they were there when their mother was alive ????



What group was the application for information sent to please? If it's different from the one I used I might try it as well. It would be worth the money if I can get past the block on my grandmother's side of the family tree!
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.J. on Sunday 13 April 08 03:20 BST (UK)
hello, Chris...and welcome to rootschat...

We have found many home children's families over the years...so if you need more information on her , we can try and help...If further into the last century, it would be very hard,  but we will do our best to help  ....At the very least it will be posted for others also searching...and we also add them to a list of Home Children here on Rootschat

Just go back to the top left and hit the Emigrants to Canada ...then start a new topic... Just put Home Child and a surname into the subject line and tell us a bit of what you know & what you need to know....( no names of the living, please)
Not all home children were treated horribly, although many were. Some found love and happiness and new families...as some were treated far worse back home...

all the best,  J.J.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cristobel on Monday 14 April 08 05:33 BST (UK)
Hello,

I've been reading this thread with great interest and thought I'd let you know my recent experience with Barnardos.

I recently wrote to Barnardos regarding British Home children sent to Canada & also Australia. I was particularly interested in two out of 6 orphaned children - siblings.   One to Canada & one to Aust.  The main thing I wanted to know was where they were sent i.e. orphanage / farm etc.
I provided heaps of information, including background info in UK census, the date & ship when one of them was sent to Canada,  and then copies of marriage, & death certs and photos of their wedding and their families.  All I got back was a letter asking me to fill out a form with the child's details and if they had any info they would let me know and also how much it would be and THEN I could write back and instruct them to go ahead.     :(   :(   One form per child - no information would be provided about siblings.  And as mentioned in previous posts, I had to provide documentation to prove next-of-kin etc.

I dont mind paying, but I was hoping that because I'd given them a fair bit, they might have been kind and provided me with the new place of residence of the two orphans.  That was my particular request.  Oh well - you win some, you lose some. 

OK - got that off my chest.   ;D 

Cheers from Chris



Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Monday 14 April 08 11:33 BST (UK)
Hello everyone

Leofric - hello - my people didn't change their names when they went to Canada.

It seems it might be who you get at Barnanrdo's to whether you pay or not.  I was also told one form per child and £100 for each of their records,  making it £200 - I haven't sent for them as it is a lot of money and also one of mine was only with Barnardo's for a matter of months which makes me wonder just how much information they have on him that's worth £100.   I have asked how much information they have or how many pages but although they have the files they cannot tell me!

It is interesting to her other people's views.

Kind regards

Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Monday 14 April 08 14:46 BST (UK)
mine were only there a short time too they were taken in 7th November 1899 and sent to Canada 19th July 1900 but I do really want to find out more about them I dont think its right to charge £200 for sisters who would have the same info as they went together to Canada.
I am so looking forward to the photos do hope they arent a year coming.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Wednesday 16 April 08 23:00 BST (UK)
somebody found one of my home childrens death in Canada and she lived to a remarkable 101 !!!!!
I am so thrilled to know this also Barnados rang me this morning to apologise as their system is being updated including the photo scanner so my photos will be on their way as soon as its up and running.
I thought it was nice of her to ring even if it was at 7.50 this morning.LOL
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: ChrisM50 on Thursday 17 April 08 01:50 BST (UK)
I'm glad you have had success.
My grandmother was went through the Catholic Emigration people.  I have no idea how to contact them, does anyone know of a website, address or phone number that I might try?
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Thursday 17 April 08 09:58 BST (UK)
I'm glad you have had success.
My grandmother was went through the Catholic Emigration people.  I have no idea how to contact them, does anyone know of a website, address or phone number that I might try?

You might find this Link useful:

http://ist.uwaterloo.ca/~marj/genealogy/children/Organizations/catholic.html

Best Wishes, Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: ChrisM50 on Friday 18 April 08 00:45 BST (UK)
I thank you very much.  One of the addresses is within a half hour of my own home, I will try that one first.  Another is within less than two hours of home.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Saturday 19 April 08 11:44 BST (UK)
silly question but who are the NCH please ??? as maybe I will write to them about the records !!!
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Saturday 19 April 08 12:05 BST (UK)
silly question but who are the NCH please ??? as maybe I will write to them about the records !!!

NCH = The National Children's Home.

Best Wishes, Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Saturday 19 April 08 12:52 BST (UK)
thanks again would they have the same records as Dr Barnados have for the children I have
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Saturday 19 April 08 13:26 BST (UK)
thanks again would they have the same records as Dr Barnados have for the children I have

I wouldn't have thought so, - they're completely seperate organizations.

NCH & Barnados both had their own Children's Homes. However, I don't think there was anything to stop people approaching any organization for assistance in times of trouble...

In the case of my relatives, a neighbour of my G/Grandmother who had links to the NCH approached them on her behalf.

You could try writing to the NCH headquarters in Highbury, London N5 to ask them if they do hold any records on your relatives, - them you would know definately if they have anything.

Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Saturday 19 April 08 17:43 BST (UK)
thanks again I was rather hoping they may have records a bit cheaper ?????
Might write to them .
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: seahall on Saturday 19 April 08 18:20 BST (UK)
Hi All

I have just been reading this thread with interest.

Sandy

A Proud Ex Dr Barnardo child.

Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Saturday 19 April 08 18:41 BST (UK)

Glad to hear that you had a positive experience Sandy.

eeyores4me, - you might find this site of interest, - it has a link about problems with accessing records:

http://www.topleybarnardo.cwc.net/index.htm

Cheers, Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.J. on Saturday 19 April 08 18:46 BST (UK)
Wow, thanks for that, Sandy! We don't always get to hear the views from the inside out...Were you treated well as we hear some bad stories?...I guess those who had a pretty normal life were less inclined to share...I woiuld hope that there was some humanity & decency in some of these institutions.

How interesting that there was payment per child. Odd that this is not widely known?

Welcome to the Canada board!  ;D
J.J.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Saturday 19 April 08 18:54 BST (UK)
Hi Seahall glad to meet you , I too never realised you had to pay to go there ??? do hope you were happy,
Thanks again Romilly , I cannot believe the info people have found for me I now have my Rose Mullers, two marriages,death burial and the details of two of her children all from this wonderful site.
Cannot thank people enough
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: seahall on Saturday 19 April 08 20:43 BST (UK)
Hi Romilly, J.J eeyores4me and all reading this topic.

I regret all the hurt and abuse given to some children that were in the homes.
Some had this also at home.

J.J. thanks for the welcome you have helped me a lot before.  :)

To all hoping to gain access to records the very best of luck.

Sandy















Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Saturday 19 April 08 22:53 BST (UK)

I read a lovely book a while back now...(I think it might be out of print now), by a lady who grew up in a Barnados Home after WW1. It was called:

'The King of the Barbareens'
by Janet Hitchman

I believe that she also wrote a biography of Dr Barnado.

Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Saturday 19 April 08 23:47 BST (UK)
thanks for that link Romilly fascinating
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: clematised on Sunday 20 April 08 00:29 BST (UK)
I have been reading this thread tonight and then on to another forum and came across this http://www.topleybarnardo.cwc.net/survey.htm and found a story that brought a lump to my throat and thought I would share it here with you all

Edna
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: eeyores4me on Sunday 20 April 08 00:38 BST (UK)
I started to read that earlier its very sad
Title: Re: Scottish Home Children to Canada
Post by: bucks on Monday 12 May 08 00:17 BST (UK)
Hi everyone.

My paternal grandmother was a Quarrier home child.  She and her 3 sisters were "given" to William Quarrier's village at Bridge of Weir in 1906.  My grandmother and one sister arrived at Fairknowe home in Brockville, Ontario in 1908 on the SS Ionian.  Another came to Canada in 1910 on the SS Grampian.  And the final girl came over in 1911.  Only the one sister who arrived in 1910 returned to Scotland ( a very rare occurence) in 1915 on the SS Pretorian. 

There is a lot of information available from the National Archives in Ottawa and on-line you can find many years of ship's lists.  As well, Quarriers Canadian Family has a lot of information to give out.

I wrote Quarrier's at Bridge-of Weir and they sent me the 2 page report from the original log book from when these 4 McTurk girls were taken from the Govan Poorhouse to Quarrier's Village on June 11, 1906.  It cost next to nothing; only postage I believe.

Find the book The Little Immigrant and it will tell you how difficult a life these children had.  Miserable!!!

Good luck.

sue from Ontario
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.J. on Monday 12 May 08 03:38 BST (UK)
sue, welcome to rootschat.. Your Glasgow query has had answers... You have lots of information waiting for you here!!! ( there may have been others!)
Wonderful bunch!
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,301930.0.html
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.J. on Monday 12 May 08 17:46 BST (UK)
I'm not sure if I had posted this on here for you...
I am adding rootchat BHC urls to the BHC thread in resources, here:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,266235.0.html 
(Let me know if there are any mistakes....) It is divided in two as it was too long for one reply...I eventually will probably have to move it all to it's own area...
If anyone sees any queries referring to Home children in Canada that are not on the list, please let me know so that I can add them... Don't post yourselves, as it would get too cluttered, sorry...

Same for the other resource thread further down re: Homes & institutions on censuses...If you find one, let me know, and I will post...OR, feel free to post as long as you plan to find a LOT of them within the same Province..... and have found & listed the adjacent url information as well. I have only a few per reply, right now, myself....but then will modify to add more when I find them.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,284296.0.html

all the best, J.J.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.J. on Monday 12 May 08 17:58 BST (UK)
Hi, Sue...did you find all your children on the censuses? I see that Matilda was already adopted by 1911...She kept her name, so that was something as far as research goes...Often they are lost to a new surname ( sometimes forename as well) ...Monica found you a lot of information...Now the rest of the children need to be accounted for...
If ever you have any questions re: Canadian side, just start a new thread....with BHC  to the left in the subject line...
all the best to you all!!!!
J.J.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: BAK51 on Sunday 18 May 08 16:32 BST (UK)
Hello -

Where can I go from here?  I've found my grandmother & her sister on separate passenger lists from Liverpool to Canada, destined to Maria Rye, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario in 1895.  They were 15 & 13 when their father died a few weeks earlier (mother already deceased).  I found the sister in the 1901 census in Toronto and my grandmother was in New York State by the 1905 state census.  What agency should I contact, what more can I find out about their lives until they were "on their own"?

BAK
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: showell on Friday 25 July 08 23:47 BST (UK)
New on here but I've been researching a relative who was a Home Child sent to Canada in 1908 by Middlemore Homes in Birmingham.  The Middlemore records are in the archives in Birmingham Library and are free to search in the secure room, only thing is records are closed for 75years so only useful for early records.  Records are'nt indexed by name but if you know the year the child was sent things are relatively easy to find and the staff are very helpful.
Title: British Home Children
Post by: Soltown on Wednesday 06 August 08 21:04 BST (UK)
Between 1869 and the 1940's nearly 150,000 children were shipped to Canada, South Africa and Australia (mostly to those last two countries between 1920s and 1970s). Many were not orphans but were deserted or sent without parental consent.

Listed below are the best sites to use if you have a child in your tree who you cannot find a death for or have lost complete track of.

There are many children in the database who were born and sent in between censuses so do not appear on any UK Census so it is worth searching the database even if you do not have a missing ancestor as you may find a relative that you did not know existed.

www.britishhomechild.org

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/home-children/001015-100.01-e.php

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~tweetybirdgenealogy/

Please help raise awareness of this subject by visiting these sites and searching for your family names or just simply reading some of the articles.

Thanks

George

Title: Re: British Home Children
Post by: J.J. on Thursday 07 August 08 15:35 BST (UK)
If you haven't this information already, Karen shows you what to do next...to find them on the ship's lists...
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,192163.0.html
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Bill1 on Friday 09 January 09 21:56 GMT (UK)
My grandmother and her brother were both Home children. I also begrudged the idea of having to pay 55 pounds($100) for information from the Barnardo file. However between my siblings and my aunt we sent off the money. What we got back was more than we had ever hoped for; Included was a picture of both children taken upon admission, a physical description, a history of their like at Barnardos and when they were at work up to the age of 18, detailed reports from the supervisors on their progress. The picture of my grandmother was the first my aunt had ever seen of her mother at that age (She died when my mother and aunt were ages 7&8. It has a place of prominence in her living room. My aunt was overjoyed. We would never have been able to piece together this information. In hindsight it was the best money spent searching the family. I would guess that it took 5-10 hours to asemble, so they probably are losing money on it. regards
Bill1
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Romilly on Friday 09 January 09 23:13 GMT (UK)

So pleased for you Bill1, that you had this successful outcome to your query.

Barnado's must have been more thorough than the NCH, - as I recieved no photos at all of my Great-Uncles:-(

And I still haven't managed to find out what ever became of them...

Best Wishes, Romilly.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: KarenM on Friday 09 January 09 23:13 GMT (UK)
Hi Bill,

Thanks for sharing that information.  How wonderful to have a picture.

Karen
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: dianne50 on Saturday 17 January 09 10:44 GMT (UK)
Hi everyone.

I am new to this forum so hope I am doing this correct

I have an ancestor who was sent to Canada in 1895 via the Middlemore Homes Project , I later found him on the 1901 canadian census , after that he disappeared, however I found a website for the Prince Edward Island (where he was sent to) and he appears briefly in a family tree, therefore I know he married.

I am still hopeful that I will find more about him and of any descendants .

I don't know if any of you are aware but you can now access Middlemore homes childrens records, they were subject to a 100 year closure but that has now been reduced to 75 years. . If you google search Middlemore there are many links including a register which lists children sent to canada , date sent and what ship and their destination port
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: cranstone on Monday 19 January 09 15:02 GMT (UK)
Hi Bill

Glad you got lots of info. and were able to split the cost.  Getting the records has since gone up almost double and is now £100 per file.  Am glad you got photographs as it is great to see what people looked like isn't it.
Regards
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.J. on Monday 19 January 09 17:43 GMT (UK)
Hello, dianne50 and welcome to rootschat.... ;D
   If you would like to post a query regarding your home child....just start a new topic on the emigrants to Canada board... There is also a resource board which includes information on Home children and lists those mentioned on rootschat for others searching... look at the left of the page for the three Canada boards listed
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/board,166.0.html  J.J.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.A.M. on Monday 19 January 09 20:40 GMT (UK)
Hello All,

I haven't gone through all 7 pages of posts to see if anyone has posted the following:

Go to the Canadian census site at

 automatedgenealogy.com

click on the 'site home' at the top left of the page & scroll half way down the page & you'll find British Home Children Linking.
This link has hundreds if not thousands of Home Children & their information. And it doesn't cost a cent.

Good hunting.

Roger
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: trisha09 on Sunday 08 February 09 20:05 GMT (UK)
HI, I HAVE BEEN READING SOME OF THE POST'S ON THIS SITE ,I DINT KNOW IF THIS IS HELPFUL TO ANYONE !!!

I HAVE ALWAYS TOLD ABOUT MY FATHERS UNCLE BEING SENT TO CANADA AS A CHILD ,HE WAS BORN IN LIVERPOOL AND HIS PARENTS DIED IN 1911  I  FOUND MY GRANDMOTHER IN A CHILDREN'S ORPHANAGE .ON FURTHER RESEARCH I HAVE COME ACROSS THE FOLLOWING
IF ANYONE WAS BORN IN THE NORTHWEST OF ENGLAND AND WAS CATHOLIC YOU  MAY BE ABLE TO GET   
 
                 THEIR RECORDS FOR FREE OR A DONATION

I AM NOW WAITING FOR A FULL COPY OF THIS FILE I SHOULD HAVE IT THIS WEEK AND ANY OTHER INFO ON OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS .
       THESE RECORDS ARE HELD BY THE NUGENT CARE

 YOU CAN ONLY REQUEST IN WRITING AS THE LADY ONLY WORKS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS HER NAME IS                                      ~~~~~~~~-------------
          PAT MCEVOY  C/O NUGENT CARE   99 EDGE LANE LIVERPOOL L7 2PE  WHERE IT IS FORWARD ON TO HER 


GIVE HER ALL INFO THAT YOU HAVE [NAME  D.O.B. PLACE OF BIRTH PARENTS NAMES OTHER SIBLINGS AND ANYTHING YOU HAVE  PUT IT ALL IN A LETTER AND SHE WILL SEARCH FOR YOU DONT FORGET TO GIVE YOUR CONTACT INFO AND ANY E-MAIL IT MAY MAKE IT A BIT QUICKER FOR YOU SHE HAS SAID THAT THERE IS NO CHARGE BUT I COULD MAKE A DONATION TO NUGENT CARE HOPE IT HELPS ANYONE
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.J. on Monday 09 February 09 04:19 GMT (UK)
 :) Please read this for more information,  read whole story or scroll down for tips on how to request information)
and also refer to the Home children resource page, or feel free to start a new query if you require help finding
basic information such as year of entry. Make sure you are writing to the corrrect agency, or person by first researching all you can find on your own, and that you are contacting the correct agency.
http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm199798/cmselect/cmhealth/755/8052025.htm
http://ist.uwaterloo.ca/~marj/genealogy/children/tracers.html
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: topcol on Friday 03 April 09 20:36 BST (UK)
Hi to all you descendants and/or friends of British Home Children. I'm the webmaster of the Unofficial Dr Barnardo's website at:     http://www.topleybarnardo.cwc.net   
which I have recently re-started updating after a 3 year hiatus, for which I apologise.
I noticed my website's URL in some messages posted in this section and I would love to hear from anyone who can spare the time to visit it and perhaps sign the guestbook or better still, email me your thoughts on the whole story of Dr Barnardo's Homes especially of course the BHC chapter.
Thanks for your time
All the best, Colin Topley
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: J.J. on Friday 03 April 09 21:35 BST (UK)
Welcome to Rootschat, Colin ...
  Websites are a lot of trouble to keep up... I appreciate all the trouble it can be to do so... :)

Here's our resource page as well....locked to new additions, but I will always open it if someone has several valid entries to add...There are also lists of children we have searched for and or found on rootschat...
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,355348.0.html
We have a special place in our hearts for these children.

Have you noticed that some automated genealogy census transcribers have also taken up the cause & are starting to list any marked BHC children?

all the best, J.J.
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: topcol on Saturday 04 April 09 06:20 BST (UK)
Hi JJ, thanks very much for your very prompt response. I've added to my website some of the BHC website links you kindly provided.
 As a side note, I also checked out a link on one of the Rootschat pages asking about the parents of a Sarah Page born in Chilham, Kent in 1836. My family lived in Chilham for almost 200 years and one of them married into the local Page family so you can imagine how much I want to contact the person, Rootschat ID Eillo, to discuss this but I can't seem to find the actual post which refers to this enquiry.
Hope you can help, in fact, I'm confident you can.
Thanks in advance, Colin
Title: Re: Home Children to Canada
Post by: Soltown on Monday 01 February 10 10:27 GMT (UK)
I am posting this on behalf of a lady who is not a member

Are there Descendants of Home Children on this website that aren't subscribed to the British Home Children mailing list?

As 2010 has been proclaimed the Year of the British Home Child in Canada, it is a year to plan special programs and events to further the public's awareness.

Some Societies already have programs organized to bring in speakers for meetings and Workshop Days planned.

Through the British Home Child mailing list we are trying to organize a Photo Memory Quilt.

We are also submitting 'Our Stories of Home Children' for an Anthology book to be published later this year.

Please contact me personally if you would like to take part in one of these projects, know of other events that are being planned or have other ideas/suggestions of your own.

To help further the public's awareness, please feel free to post my message to other mailing lists or organizations that would be interested.

If anyone is interested in getting involved or submitting their relatives story please respond here or private message me and I will send you the contact details for the lady organising some of it.

Thanks for reading this

George