From Relief to Social Security: The Development of the New Public Welfare Service

The financial collapse of 1929 brought misery and tragedy to millions of American families. From Relief to Social Security presents various plans for mitigating some of the most serious consequences of the Depression which ensued. The author, Grace Abbott, was the only social worker at the head of an important Federal bureau. Her methods of temporary and permanent relief are documented in her papers, which form the basis of this book, published by her sister after her death. The book deals in a broad way with public welfare policies and the importance of civil service in the social welfare program.

But this is not merely a Depression story. The policies discussed are still part of our current thinking with regard to the welfare principles of a democratic government with a Federal and state system.