Charity Organization Society (COS)
The Charity Organization Society was started in 1869. This was during a time of urbanization and declining sense of community and help in rural areas. Urban areas faced industrial accidents, diseases, unemployment, poverty, family breakdown, and numerous other social and economic problems. In these situations, people without the aid of family relations face either applying for public relief, private charity handouts, or begging.
Its purpose was to increase cooperation and effectiveness among the various charities in London and to organize charitable giving. Founders of the organization saw that other charities needed assistance, support to the poor was not making it to the neediest families and sometimes the money was not spent wisely. A movement was started along with scientific research to combat the problems of urban dependency, as families and individuals were learning to abuse the system by asking for help from multiple organizations.
During the Victorian Era, a major aim was to promote policy change to help those suffering from poverty. The focus of helping the poor was changed to finding the cause of families’ poverty than handouts to those already at rock bottom in places like workhouses. Families were helped back on their feet so their children could be provided for and kept out of workhouses.
Its purpose was to increase cooperation and effectiveness among the various charities in London and to organize charitable giving. Founders of the organization saw that other charities needed assistance, support to the poor was not making it to the neediest families and sometimes the money was not spent wisely. A movement was started along with scientific research to combat the problems of urban dependency, as families and individuals were learning to abuse the system by asking for help from multiple organizations.
During the Victorian Era, a major aim was to promote policy change to help those suffering from poverty. The focus of helping the poor was changed to finding the cause of families’ poverty than handouts to those already at rock bottom in places like workhouses. Families were helped back on their feet so their children could be provided for and kept out of workhouses.
Methods of Organizing Charities
1. Cooperation of all existing agencies.
2. Districting of the city and thorough investigation of the poverty and pauperism in the districts, and of the history, character, and condition of every applicant for relief.
3. Organizing a trained band of visitors who go from house to house in friendly ways.
2. Districting of the city and thorough investigation of the poverty and pauperism in the districts, and of the history, character, and condition of every applicant for relief.
3. Organizing a trained band of visitors who go from house to house in friendly ways.
Programs Created
Committees were created to provide financial aid and spread quickly through London. They raised funds and began forming grant making committees. However helpful, most of the time financial help was not enough to steer people through crisis, leading eventually to emotional support being offered to the public. This blend of practical assistance and financial support was called “social casework”. These principles created the formation of modern day social work.
Due to high unemployment in 1870, the first Employment Enquiry Office in Soho was opened. This model was adopted by the Government and soon Labour Exchanges were spread across the country. The Skilled Employment and Apprenticeship Association was found in the 1890s to solve problems of dead end jobs.
Due to high unemployment in 1870, the first Employment Enquiry Office in Soho was opened. This model was adopted by the Government and soon Labour Exchanges were spread across the country. The Skilled Employment and Apprenticeship Association was found in the 1890s to solve problems of dead end jobs.
COS Movement Mission
“By this organization, when fully carried out, it is hoped that no loophole will be left for imposture; no dark holes and corners of misery, disease and corruption remain unvisited; no social sore fester untouched by wise and gentile hands; no barrier of ignorance or selfish apathy stand unassailed between the rich and the poor; no differences of creed prevent unity of action in the common cause of humanity.”
For more information:
"1800s." 1800s. Family Action, n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.family-action.org.uk/section.aspx?id=1155>.
Hansan , John . "Charity Organization Societies: 1877-1893." Social Welfare History Project. Social Welfare History Project , n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.socialwelfarehistory.com/organizations/charity-organization-societies-1877-1893/>.
"1800s." 1800s. Family Action, n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.family-action.org.uk/section.aspx?id=1155>.
Hansan , John . "Charity Organization Societies: 1877-1893." Social Welfare History Project. Social Welfare History Project , n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.socialwelfarehistory.com/organizations/charity-organization-societies-1877-1893/>.