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Alms Houses Began to Appear
An alms house is a house that was essentially built for poor people to live in. They started being created in the 1700's. In smaller towns that couldn't afford to have an alms house, it was often believed that the town auctioned off the poor to neighboring farmers. They also often sent the poor to private alms houses in order to provide them with what they need. After this, the focus turned to the state to provided the means for poor people in the country -
Social Welfare in the Civil War Era
In the 1840's being mentally ill was similar to being a prisoner. You were placed in jails, asylums, mental institutions and almshouses. Often you were treated very poorly in this locations as far as physical abuse and mental abuse. Congress tried to pass bills for federal relief for those suffering with mental illness but it was ultimately shut down. Focus transitioned to helping those with illness and injury along as freedom of slaves. -
Charity Organization Society
Charity Organization Society was one or the first social work industries often providing relief to those who were needy. COS also provided direct counseling or education to those in the community in order to inform them of what their part was in helping those who are needy in their area. People that received benefits from this charity were expected to have kind souls in order to receive basic needs without needing soul counseling. -
Settlement Houses
Settlement houses were the foster homes back in the day. The houses were staffed by everyday community members that had normal jobs and was funded by the community. They believed that the way to treat those below the poverty level was to help connect them to resources in order to make those individuals functional in society. They did this by providing different types of services for adults and children. -
Progressive Era
In this area the responsibility for the overall wellbeing of people transferred from towns to the government. People believed that the government was responsible for all types of people and their wellbeing. During this time women's working rights were also becoming more progressive allowing women to work full time. This most likely reflects upon women gaining their right to vote in 1919. -
Languishing Social Welfare State
President Nixon was not often fond of poor people and providing them a way to continue to be poor and rely on the government. However his legislation included Supplement Security Income, Old Age Assistance, Aid to the Blind and aid to the disabled. It would be reasonable to assume the President Nixon did not care for the working and abled poor due to these legislations mostly referred to the unworking and unabled poor.