Archives on “Stolen” Childhood: Sensitive Files Finally Described and Opened, if Still Existing…

Abstract

The paper discusses a part of “Swiss dark social history” and its effect on the reorganization of archival fonds, in order to find information about people concerned with coercive measures for assistance. The term “Stolen Childhood” refers to the treatment inflicted by the authorities of Switzerland to children, orphans or from divorced families, forcibly placed in institutions and foster families, which amount to an estimated 100,000 between 1800 and 1980. In relation to this sensitive data, a survey was made about the institutions and repositories which might have kept individual files of these children. Cantonal archives have now centralized this information as much as possible, and described it. Since conservation recommendations and guaranteed access for the people concerned have been issued, special attention is given to records like court orders, divorce papers, which can trace the fate of victims. Other types of traces can be found in municipal archives. On April 12, 2013, Federal Councilor Simonetta Sommaruga officially apologized on behalf of the Swiss Confederation, and asked forgiveness for the suffering inflicted. A measure was passed for distributing financial reparation, as the victims still alive often lead a precarious life.