The Commission to Study Problems Relating to Children Born Out of Wedlock was created by Senate Joint Resolution No. 36 of the 1958 session of the General Assembly.

The President of the Senate appointed Senator Blake T. Newton from the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates appointed Mrs. Inez DeGraw Baker and Mr. Arthur H. Richardson from the House. In accordance with the Resolution, the Governor of Virginia, the Honorable J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., appointed six additional members. These were: Mrs. Hunter Barrow, Capt. W.R. Gaines, Dr. Thomas H. Henderson, Mr. Raleigh C. Hobson, Mr. R. Franklin Hough, Jr. and Dr. Paige E. Thornhill.

The Commission held its first meeting on September 17, 1958. Senator Newton was elected chairman, and Mrs. Baker was elected vice-chairman. Mr. John B. Boatwright, Jr. of the Division of Statutory Research and Drafting agreed to serve as secretary. He has been assisted by Mr. G. M. Lapsley, a member of his staff. The Commission has held nine meetings and two public hearings. Attendance by members was excellent.