The Maintenance of Deserted Wives and Children 1863 was also known by its full title “An Act to provide for the Maintenance and Support of deserted Wives and Children in this Colony” (Act no. 27 Vict. No.14). This act repealed and replaced the Maintenance of Deserted Wives and Children Act of 1837. This new act empowers two Justices, with or without the consent of the parents of a child, to place that child into an Institution or apprentice a child over the age of 14. This act was repealed in 1873 and replaced by the Deserted Wives and Children Maintenance Act 1873 (Act no.37 Vict. No.14).