The Activity of Prisoners Children’s Care Association in Warsaw in 1905–1916 (according to the Materials of the Annual Reports)

In Polish and Ukrainian historiography, the issues surrounding charitable organizations from the late 19th century to the first quarter of the 20th century remain under-researched but represent a promising and informative area of study. The experience of charitable organizations in Poland provides valuable insights into their functioning during an era of social and political changes and illustrates how public associations addressed the challenges of the time. The issue of families of prisoners is undoubtedly a challenging area to study, presenting a multifaceted and specific phenomenon in the history of the Polish social movement. This study represents another step in exploring the situation of children from families of prisoners, with special attention given to the primary form of care for these children — the shelter. The article examines all aspects of the shelter’s functioning and sources of support, focusing on institutions maintained by the Society for the Care of Children of Prisoners in Warsaw. In the article, the authors examine the programs organized by the Society, which provide social, educational, and psychological support aimed at improving the quality of life for children. The study highlights the challenges and achievements of the organization, its internal administrative work, the financial aspects of its activities, methods for involving children in practical work, and forms of assistance from external supporters. Additionally, the article uses the prism of the Society’s functioning to highlight the broader issues faced by Polish society during the outlined period, including changes in the economy, price policy, and financial support for the Polish people. The article aims to elucidate the organization’s activities during its most active years, focusing on the financial aspects, challenges in organizational activities, and the dynamics of attracting new members. The authors utilized the reporting documentation of the Society from 1905 to 1916 as the main source, which comprehensively covers all aspects of the Society’s work and contains an exhaustive array of relevant information.