What was the purpose of the House of Refuge?

The House of Refuge was established in the early 19th century as a pioneering institution aimed at addressing the needs of neglected, abandoned, or unwanted youth. It sought to create a safe environment where these children could be taken in and cared for, often providing a structured living situation that emphasized rehabilitation rather than punishment. The focus was on offering support to children who were without family support or were living in circumstances deemed harmful.

While the other options touch on important aspects of child welfare, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of the House of Refuge. Educational resources and preparation for adulthood were certainly components of the program, but they were ultimately secondary to the critical mission of providing shelter and care to vulnerable children. The aspect of punishment is misaligned with the foundational goals of the House of Refuge, which was centered on reforming and caring for youth rather than enforcing punitive measures.