Sydney Benevolent Asylum

Other records of interest

The Sydney Benevolent Asylum was only one of a number of institutions which helped those who were incapable of supporting themselves due to age, infirmity or temporary distress. Most of these institutions had some Government involvement. The surviving records therefore form part of the State archives collection held by State Records NSW.

Benevolent societies also operated in other areas of the colony. Mentions of their existence can often be found in local newspapers. Enquiries concerning surviving records should be directed, in the first instance, to an historical society in the area where it is known a Benevolent society operated.

Children in the Sydney Benevolent Asylum

In the case of children admitted to the Sydney Benevolent Asylum, they were then often transferred to another asylum such as the Randwick Asylum for Destitute Children (the records of which are held at State Records). For a comprehensive listing of other homes and institutions where children could have been placed in substitute care after 1900, you can download the Connecting Kin Guide from the Department of Community Services.

From 1883 onwards children could also have been 'boarded out'. The records of this early form of fostering are known as the Dependent Children's Registers and these are also held by State Records.

Records for other colonies

Each colony had its own institution for caring for their needy. A good starting point for research will normally be the government archive for the relevant state. Refer to www.coraweb.com.au for links to other states.

The Society of Australian Genealogists also holds a number of Asylum registers for other states, as well as many resources which will help researchers follow through on leads they discover through this database. See www.sag.org.au for opening hours and to search the online library catalogue.

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