Before Charles Loring Brace founded the Children’s Aid Society in 1853, orphaned children were living in New York City under horrible conditions. At that time, Americans had not made it their responsibility to protect children. Brace’s plan clearly had flaws, but it was effective. More than 150,000 abandoned and orphaned children were saved from New York City’s streets and taken by train to live with families who agreed to provide for their needs. While some found loving and nurturing homes, others did not. The Orphan Train Movement was the start of children’s rights in America and society taking responsibility for its children. (Click Here to Learn About Rights and Responsibilities)