The First State Legislature, 1890-1891, by constitutional provision, created the office of State Board of Charities and Reform, which was composed of the State Treasurer, State Auditor, and Superintendent of Public Instruction. The board had general supervision and control of all such charitable, reformatory, and penal institutions as were established and supported by the State; the State Treasurer was president of the board, the superintendent of public instruction, its secretary, who was required to keep a careful record of its transactions, which were known as the records and proceedings of the State Board of Charities and Reform.

The board was abolished by popular vote on a constitutional amendment in 1990. Its duties and institutions were divided among the Department of Family Services, Department of Corrections and Department of Health.