Doncaster Council has regained control of its children's services following a controversial period under the management of Doncaster Children's Services Trust. The trust, which operated the city's youth care from 2014 to 2022, was initially appointed after a government-mandated takeover in March 2009. The takeover was prompted by the tragic deaths of seven children due to abuse or neglect over a span of five years.
In 2014, Doncaster Children's Services Trust was awarded a 10-year contract to manage youth care, despite being rated as "inadequate" by Ofsted that same year. The decision followed a series of serious incidents, including the preventable attack and torture of two young boys by two brothers in Edlington, which a serious case review later deemed avoidable. The trust was set to operate until 2024 but faced significant challenges during its tenure.
Concerns about the quality of care persisted throughout the trust's management. An inspection revealed a "significant deterioration" in social care services since the last Ofsted evaluation. This prompted the council to reassume responsibility for children's services in 2022, two years before the trust's contract was set to expire.
Despite efforts to improve, Doncaster Children's Services Trust struggled to meet the expectations and demands of providing adequate care for the city's vulnerable youth. This prompted further scrutiny and ultimately led to the council's decision to reclaim control.
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, expressed optimism about the future of children's services under council supervision.
"This is just the beginning, we will continue to strive for excellence, ensuring our vulnerable children receive the support and care they deserve." – Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones
The council is dedicated to addressing past shortcomings and enhancing the quality of care provided to children in need. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the trust, Councillor Lani-Mae Ball highlighted the commitment of those involved in improving services.
"A testament to the dedication, passion and hard work of our teams and the relentless focus of our strong leadership." – Councillor Lani-Mae Ball
