| | Abstract: | The Western Reserve Child Welfare Council was founded in 1911, following the first Western Reserve Conference on the Care of Neglected and Dependent Children, held in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1910. The organizers of this conference recommended a permanent organization be formed to promote cooperation between both public and private child welfare agencies in the Western Reserve. Membership in the Council consisted of two appointed representatives from each agency. The Council produced reports addressing such issues as child labor, infant care, education, institutional care, and dependent mothers. The Council also served as a watchdog organization that could recommend action to the City of Cleveland on child advocacy issues. Leading members included James R. Garfield, Chester C. Bolton, Gilbert P. Jennings, and Dr. Richard Bolt. In 1914, the Western Reserve Child Welfare Council changed its name to the Cleveland Welfare Council. In 1917, it joined with the Cleveland Federation for Charity and Philanthropy in a single organization named the Welfare Federation of Cleveland. The collection consists of a constitution, minutes, budget statements, correspondence, and reports. | |
