Penn's proclamation and the generosity of the pious Quaker communities established our Commonwealth's firm commitment to provide for the basic needs of our citizens, whether those needs arise from poverty, mental illness, mental retardation or other factors beyond the control of the individual. It also began the 300 year chronology of private and public efforts that have evolved into today's Department of Public Welfare. Appointed overseers are authorized to levy taxes for relief funds and indenture poor children.
Poor people apply to justices of the peace who order the overseers to provide needed assistance.
1718 People are required to prove that they are legally settled in a particular township before receiving assistance. Pennsylvania's first public almshouse opens in Philadelphia to provide institutional care to the poor. 1751 Pennsylvania Hospital, a facility for the care of people with physical or mental illnesses, is founded with a combination of public and private funds. Dr. Benjamin Rush, father of American psychiatry and signer of the Declaration of Independence, joined the staff of the hospital in 1783. 1771 New Poor Law is enacted requiring audits of relief accounts and limiting terms of apprenticeship for children.