New children's trust launched
A new independent children’s trust has been launched in Sandwell to turn around its failing children’s services.
Sandwell Children’s Trust has been launched after Sandwell Council endured successive inadequate ratings from Ofsted.
The trust’s board will be chaired by former home secretary Jacqui Smith.
The Trust tweeted: “Today marks our official launch. We’ve worked with staff to create a clear purpose – to improve the lives of children and young people – and we can’t wait to get to work.”
In 2015, Ofsted rated the council’s children’s services ‘inadequate’. And in January an updated report by the watchdog found some services had deteriorated further and most recommendations made three years ago ‘have not been fully met’.
Last year it was revealed 6,226 child abuse allegations was referred to Sandwell social services between 2012 and 2016.
The trust was taken out of Sandwell Council's hands by the government last year over concerns about its performance.
Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling said: "We are looking forward to bringing about better outcomes for some of our most vulnerable people. Now the real work starts."
