The British Home Child Migrant Scheme

2024/7/15

Dark Poutine - True Crime and Dark History

Frequently requested episodes will be transcribed first

Shownotes Transcript

**Episode 326: **Between 1869 and 1948, over 100,000 children from the United Kingdom were sent to Canada and other British commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa as part of the British Home Children migration scheme. This movement was initiated to alleviate the burden of poverty and overcrowded workhouses in Britain by providing these children with opportunities abroad. However, the reality for many of these children was harsh.

In Canada, they were often placed with farm families where boys worked as labourers and girls as domestic servants. While some found caring homes, many others faced neglect, abuse, and exploitation. The children were frequently moved from one placement to another, leading to instability and a lack of proper education. Despite these hardships, many British Home Children contributed significantly to Canadian society, with some even enlisting in the military during the World Wars. Today, it is estimated that over ten percent of the Canadian population are descendants of these children, though many remain unaware of this heritage.

Sources:

British Home Children - Veterans Affairs Canada)

Home Children - Government of Canada)

Who are the British Home Children)

Home Children Canada)

BRITISH HOME CHILDREN IN CANADA)

Home Children)

Home Children Canada)

Welcome to British Home Children Descendants)

Barnardo Home Records)

The British Home Children)

The Victorian Workhouse)