Boys Reformatory & Training School

The Boys’ Training School (Reformatory) for male juvenile prisoners, established under the Training School Act, opened at Cascades in 1869, and operated there until 1879, when it was removed to Hobart Gaol. The Reformatory returned to Cascades in 1884, after renovations, and continued there until 1896 when the ‘delinquent boys’ were transferred to the New Town Pauper Establishment.

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.