Partner Article

New look children's services opened in Doncaster

A plethora of business leaders and dignities descended on Doncaster yesterday as the town officially opened its Children’s Services Trust (DCST).

The new independent trust, housed in the Blue Building in the town centre is the first of its kind in the country, and has been created to lead the way in delivering important social care services to vulnerable children and families.

The initiative was officially declared open by Edward Timpson, Minister for Children and Families in front of an impressive guest list including the town’s leaders, service users and partner agencies.

Focusing on improving standards and quality of care and support, the Trust offers strong early intervention and help. The Trust will be responsible for a range of services including police liaison, health services, residential homes, fostering and adoption, youth offending and intensive family support.

Led by a Chief Executive supported by a team of professionals, DCST reports to a board made up of individuals with a nationally recognised track record in social care and services for young people and local representatives including the police, health services and the local authority.

Paul Moffat, DCST chief executive said: “We all feel extremely positive about the future of the town’s children’s services. We are a brand new offering, supporting people who require the help from specialists in one or more of our service areas.

“The Trust, alongside service users, local partners and communities will work together to raise aspirations of the young people in our care, to guide them through the tough times and support them on their way to success.

“We were created following the in-depth report by Professor Julian Le Grand that looked into the town’s previous children’s services, to focus on social care and to ultimately do things differently and better - and that is what we are confident of doing.”

Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson said: “The Doncaster Trust is the first of its kind – an independent organisation able to focus exclusively on achieving excellent services for children and families in the area.

“This is a radical new way of delivering improvements and one that I’m excited to see develop.”

The Trust’s designated headquarters and walk in reception facility for members of the public to gain information about its services is open 8.30-5.00 Monday to Friday.

For more information, please visit: www.doncasterchildrenstrust.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Stacey Morgan .