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Tasmania - Glossary Term

Borstal (c. 1920 - c. 1970)

From
c. 1920
To
c. 1970
Alternative Names
  • Borstall (Also known as)

A borstal, or borstall, was a reformatory for young offenders aged about 16 to 21. The term was used between about 1920 and 1970.

Details

Borstals were meant to provide corrective training for young offenders without sending them to prison.

The term, originally from Britain, was derived from Borstal, a suburb in Rochester, Kent, the site of the first borstal.

Prepared by: Caroline Evans