Our child protection procedures aim to support safeguarding practice and provide a consistent approach to safeguarding children and young people.
These should be used regularly by practitioners, especially those who need clarification about policies and procedures or who are unsure about how to respond to a safeguarding issue they encounter during their work.
Child abuse can take a range of different forms. It is any action by another person (adult or child) that causes harm to a child. It can be defined as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect.
Keeping children safe isn’t just about protecting them from physical abuse. It is important to be aware of issues such as cyberbullying, online grooming and sexually harmful behaviour.
All children and young people deserve to be healthy and happy. Good physical and emotional health plays an important part in helping them to live a fulfilled life.
We want all children in Devon to have the best start in life and, as they grow into young adults, to have access to opportunities for training, education, employment and apprenticeships to help them gain the skills they need to become independent and thrive.
We are passionate that every child in Devon should have the best possible start in life and the opportunity to thrive. To help, we are working together to be there for children and families with the right support, at the right time, and in the right place.
We believe that every child has the right to have their voice heard. We will make sure that children can share their views on living in Devon and shape services that support them. We are committed to listen, hear and understand the views of all children and young people, parents and carers.
We believe that training and workforce development is essential to help protect children and young people in Devon. We provide a range of information and resources for professionals and volunteers, including a calendar of training events and links to online learning.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
Safeguarding policies and guidance, links to the South West Child Protection Procedures resource, as well as professional information about specific topics.
We believe that training and workforce development is essential to help protect children and young people in Devon. We provide a range of information and resources for professionals and volunteers, including a calendar of training events and links to online learning.
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
Safeguarding policies and guidance, links to the South West Child Protection Procedures resource, as well as professional information about specific topics.
Families on low incomes can get help with food and utility costs this winter via the new Household Support Fund.
It’s vital professionals have the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise when children might be showing them that something is wrong.
The Safer Young Lives Research Centre have created a handy graphic detailing how young people’s participation in decision-making can be protective
We need your help to plan and make sure that there is enough childcare for you to work or train. Whether you use childcare or not, your voice counts!
A new campaign centring on the importance of speech, language and communication in children from antenatal to five years old has launched this week.
Melissa Caslake is delighted to have joined Devon County Council and has shared the following update for Children’s Services staff and partners.
With the start of the academic year just around the corner, here’s some useful information to help you and your child prepare for September.
Did you know that Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects at least 7.5% of all children and young people in the UK? That’s two children in every average class of 30.
A report by I CAN has identified that 1.5 million children across the UK are at risk of being left behind with their speaking and understanding as a result of Covid-19.
Families on low incomes can get help with food and utility costs this winter via the new Household Support Fund.
12 to 15 year olds will be offered one dose of the vaccine, which they will be able to get through their school or at a local vaccination site.
Pregnant women are being reassured by the NHS in Devon that having the vaccination is the best and safest way to protect them and their baby.
It’s vital professionals have the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise when children might be showing them that something is wrong.
The Safer Young Lives Research Centre have created a handy graphic detailing how young people’s participation in decision-making can be protective
Events will be running all week (22-26 November 2021), with a range of fantastic keynote speeches and workshops taking place.
The new model aims to ensure that every child or young person gets the support they and their families need and achieve their best in life.
The innovative partnership will deliver a special school providing 120 places for children aged from 5 to 16
We are pleased to announce that the small grants scheme is now open and inviting applications.