In Moral Danger (c. 1954 - c. 1978)

From

c. 1954

To

c. 1978

Categories

Term commonly found on child welfare records

Alternative Names

• IMD (Acronym)

'In moral danger' was an abbreviation in common use in government departments. It referred to one of the categories of a 'child in need of care and protection' under the Children's Welfare Act 1954. Section 16(j) of the Act provided that a child 'who is exposed to moral danger' could be admitted to the care of the department. 'In moral danger' remained as a reason for a child's admission into care under subsequent legislation, until 1978 and the passage of the Community Welfare Services Act. It was largely used for the committal of girls and young women.