National Florence Crittenton Mission

It attempted to reform prostitutes and unwed pregnant women through the creation of establishments where they were to live and learn skills.

Seven years later, in 1890, the second Florence Crittenton Home was opened in San Jose, California.

The National Florence Crittenton Mission's approach to adoption and to unwed pregnancy has been criticized largely due to policies used decades ago.

In the past, rather than to aid pregnant women, families sent them to Crittenton homes to hide them from public view and avoid shame.

This mirrored a practice found in Europe generally and in Italy specifically occurring from the Middle Ages to its full flowering in the 19th century.

Finding aid for the National Florence Crittenton Mission records at the Social Welfare History Archives, University of Minnesota Libraries.