The Mary Ellen Myth: Correcting Child Welfare History

Several misconceptions can be identified in social work literature, but few are so pervasive as the Mary Ellen myth. The idea is widespread in the social work literature that before the 1870s a child in America had to be identified as a “member of the animal kingdom” to receive protection under the legal system. Over a century has passed since the Mary Ellen case was decided. It is time for this myth to be corrected.