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

Home Children (1869-1930) - ArchiviaNet - Library and Archives Canada

Making the Canadian Flag

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The British Home Child Migrant Scheme