The Destitute Persons Act 1881 (Act no. 210/1881) was assentend to on 18 November 1881. Its full title was: An Act to repeal ‘The Destitute Persons Relief and Industrial and Reformatory Schools Act, 1872,’ and to make other provisions in lieu thereof’. The Destitute Persons Act 1881 entitled two Justices to commit a destitute or neglected child to an industrial school to be detained until the age of 16 years (boys) or 18 years (girls). The Destitute Persons Act 1881 was repealed by the Maintenance Act 1926, which commenced in 1927.
Key provision: Two Justices may commit a destitute or neglected child to an industrial school to be detained until the age of 16 years (boys) or 18 years (girls). Destitute Board may apprentice children, manage their wages and property, licence foster mothers and supervise education, work and discipline. Amended by Destitute Persons Act Amendment Act 1886 – introduced term ‘State child’ for destitute and neglected children. Established the State Children’s Council to replace the Destitute Persons’ Board. Ages for detention of boys and girls made uniform (under 18 years). Repealed by State Children’s Act 1895.