Boys Reformatory

The Boys’ Reformatory, run by volunteers, opened in the Female Factory at Cascades, South Hobart, in 1869. It provided an alternative to gaol for boys who were homeless or had broken the law. The boys were of school age. The Reformatory operated there until 1876. After that, the Hobart Gaol once again housed young male offenders until, in 1884, a Boys’ Training School opened on the same site.

The aims of the Reformatory included:
– Reforming young offenders; and
– Keeping young offenders separate from adult criminals in gaols
Boys were sent to the Reformatory by the Courts. Prior to arrival at the Reformatory, most boys spent about 10 days in gaol, according to the Training Schools Act.

Efforts were made to educate the boys, teach them trades and later find them apprenticeships. As such, the boys completed about three hours of tuition in the 3Rs each day, the remainder of the day being given to instruction in agriculture, gardening or carpentry. A mark system was introduced with the aim of stimulating the boys to good behaviour and industry.

The Reformatory was governed by a Board of Managers, which included Ministers of Religion and prominent members of the public, including the Mayor of Hobart who was an ex-officio member.