Uncontrollable

A term used in welfare records that has a range of meanings, depending on the circumstances of the child and its family. It could simply mean a child was unsupervised, because his or her parents had to work outside the home. Some parents and guardians who wanted their child admitted to an industrial school or training home, to receive some education, had to say their child was uncontrollable to qualify for assistance. The term was also used to describe children's behaviours and sometimes implied a level of aggression or mental illness, but some 'uncontrollable' children were simply complaining about the conditions they were living or working in, by arguing, running away or breaking things.