Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/493

 THE LAW RELATING TO THE RELIEF AND CARE OF DEPENDENTS. II.

IN THE last number of this JOURNAL we spoke of the duty of the local governments of the several commonwealths to care for those indigents who have no relatives under legal obligations to do so, and stated that provision had been made in four forms, viz., (i) relief in homes, (2) institutional care, (3) farming and binding out, and (4) boarding with families. The first form, that of "relief in homes," was there discussed, leaving the three remaining forms and the burial and civic rights of paupers to be discussed in this number.

II. INSTITUTIONAL CARE.

In the consideration of the institutional care of dependents, we have chiefly to do with the town or county almshouse. As Mr. Warner has put it, " it is the fundamental institution in Amer- ican poor relief." As was seen, "relief in homes" was intended to furnish at most only temporary or partial support. The alms- house is to provide a more or less permanent home.

Every American commonwealth has made almshouse or "poorhouse" provision for the destitute. 1 It is under the direc- tion of town or county officers, according as the state has the town or county system. 7 Where the town system exists, it is under the direction of the overseers of the poor, whether they be selectmen or elected or appointed overseers. Where the county system exists, it is usually under the directio n of the county commissioners or supervisors, or the county court. There are exceptions to both these statements, however.

1 ID Arizona it teems that, in the provision for indigents, the hospital for the imii gent sick, rather than the almshouse, has become the fundamental institution.

Rhode Island has a state almshouse under the direction of the State Board of Control, with which the towns may contract for the care of the poor, as well is town almshouses. 126, chap. 79.

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