In 1930, following the abolition of the Bradford Poor Law Union, the Bradford Corporation took over responsibility for the administration of poor relief in the city. This included the children's homes previously run by the union, which now came under the management of the council's new Public Assistance Committee.

The council inherited a 22-bed reception home at 93 Park Road, Bradford, plus 23 scattered homes as listed below (all in Bradford unless otherwise indicated).

Former scattered home, 86 Lister Avenue, Bradford. © Peter Higginbotham

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. Since Bradford's large collection of scattered homes largely fell within these guidelines, the council continued to use many of its existing properties. The stock was also added to by a number of similar properties and several larger houses.

A rare new-build development, opened in around 1945, was Springfield, a group of four cottage home style houses plus a reception and observation centre, located at the south side of Duckworth Lane, opposite Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Like many other councils at this period, Bradford provided residential nursery accommodation. By 1952, this included the High Park Nursery, Haworth Road, and the Moorville Nursery, Killinghall Road.

In addition to its children's homes, the Children's Department also had responsibility for the Moorland House Approved School at Ilkley.

The children's establishments in operation in 1969 are listed below. Those marked with an asterisk are premises inherited from the workhouse authorities.