Case Files

• Reference:GB 559 ACCT/1/2
• Dates of Creation:1893-1960s
• Language of Material:English
• Physical Description:
  2393 case files Loose pages

• Scope and Content

  The case files are primarily comprised of application forms and correspondence from parents and concerned adults looking to provide a better situation and future for the child by placing them in Aberlour Orphanage. Later files start to include correspondence from parents, guardians and relatives enquiring about the child, as well as employers writing to the orphanage providing updates as to how the child is settling into their new role. The files can also contain letters from the children themselves, writing as former residents recounting their time in the orphanage. Later files also start to have photographs of the children included with their file.

  The records within this series contain references and language relating to disabilities and mental health, reflecting attitudes of the period in which it was created. Please contact the University Archivist for further information.

• Access Information

  Open

  A number of the records within this series are subject to a 100 year closure period to protect individual's identities. Please contact the University Archivist for further information.

• Note

  Application forms are referred to as "schedules". The case files are assigned a "schedule number", and have a separate "admission number" which is located within the Admission Register.

  Files dating prior to 1893 have not survived, believed to have been destroyed during one of the fires the orphanage suffered in the 1930s.

  From 1971 the schedule number was disposed of, with Aberlour reverting back to using the admission numbers. Some files still have the term "schedule number" written on them instead of "admission number"