In 1930, following the abolition of the Barnsley Poor Law Union, the Barnsley Borough Council took over responsibility for the administration of poor relief in the city. The Ashley House children's home at Princess Street, Barnsley, previously run by the union, now came under the management of the council's new Public Assistance Committee. The establishment could accommodate up to 24 children.

In 1934, a home for 12 boys was in operation at Myrtle Villa, 7 Huddersfield Road, Barnsley. By 1937, however, Myrtle Villa had been replaced by two adjacent houses on Rockingham Street, known as Maryville and Georgeville, respectively housing 12 girls and 12 boys.

In around 1942, a residential nursery known as Jordan House was opened at 41 Gawber Road, Barnsley, accommodating 10 children. Another home, The Views, was opened at 39 Gawber Road in 1944. It housed up to 14 children.

Following the passing of the 1948 Children Act, councils were required to provide care services for all needy children in their area, especially those who lacked a normal family home. In common with other local authorities, the council established a new Children's Committee, whose responsibilities had previously been spread across separate Health, Education and Social Welfare Committees. Under the new regime, residential care was seen as the least desirable option for children in care, but when it was employed, the recommended size of home was eight children, or twelve at most.

Ashley House was closed in around 1960 and was then used for administrative purposes. By 1967, the two Gawber Road establishments had also closed, with a new nursery being opened at Hinchcliffe House, 77 Rockingham Street, adjacent to the Georgeville and Maryville homes.

In 1971, local authority children's departments were absorbed into their new social services departments. Following the local government reorganisation that took place in 1974, the new Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council took over two homes (Cubley Hall and 43 John Street) that had previously been run by the West Yorkshire County Council. It also opened new homes, Needlewood and Wellfield House.

The council's children's establishments in operation in 1977 are listed below. Those taken over from West Yorkshire are indicated by an asterisk.

By 1984, a number of closures had taken place, with only 43 John Street and 77 Rockingham Street remaining in use. A hostel for mentally handicapped children was also in operation at 12 Greenfoot Lane.