* The Enlightenment: Philosophers emphasized reason and human improvement, leading to questioning of harsh punishments for children.
* Religious organizations: Many early reform schools had religious affiliations, aiming to instill morality and discipline.
* Philanthropic groups: Individuals and organizations concerned with social reform played a crucial role in establishing and supporting these institutions.
* State governments: As the need for organized systems to address juvenile crime grew, state governments increasingly took on the responsibility of creating and funding reform schools.
There wasn't a single "creator," but rather a confluence of social, philosophical, and political factors that led to their rise.