The director of welfare under the direction of the county welfare board shall, upon application for permanent relief, if granted, commit any minor poor child, who has gained a legal settlement within the meaning of this chapter to the welfare-house, or other public institution for the care of dependent children or to some private institution for the care of children or with some family approved by the state board of children's guardians for a period not to exceed thirty days after date of commitment, or until the court having jurisdiction has adjudged the child a public charge or made an order committing the child or its family to the care of the state board of children's guardians as herein and otherwise provided by law.
N.J.S. § 44:4-97