Charles Loring Brace was an American philanthropist and social reformer who lived from 1826 to 1890. He is best known for his work in the field of child welfare and his role as the founder of the Children's Aid Society.
Born in Connecticut, Brace dedicated his life to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in the United States. In 1853, he founded the Children's Aid Society, a pioneering organization that provided support and resources to orphaned, abandoned, and destitute children.
Brace's philosophy was rooted in the belief that giving children opportunities for education, vocational training, and a stable home environment would enable them to break the cycle of poverty and lead productive lives. To achieve this, he implemented a system known as the "Orphan Train Movement," where children from overcrowded urban areas would be placed in foster homes or adopted by families in rural communities.
Through this program, Brace aimed to provide children with access to education, good moral values, and the chance to learn practical skills. His approach was based on the belief that if provided with proper nurturing and guidance, children had the potential to become responsible and contributing members of society.
Brace's work had a lasting impact on child welfare in the United States. His advocacy and innovative methods not only helped improve the lives of countless children but also contributed to the establishment of child protection laws and the development of a national system for adoption and foster care.
