Child abuse
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
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.
Health and wellbeing
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.
Life chances
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.
Children and Young People’s Plan 2019 – 2023
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.
Get involved
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.
Training and resources for professionals
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.
Safer recruitment
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
Policies and procedures
Safeguarding policies and guidance, links to the South West Child Protection Procedures resource, as well as professional information about specific topics.
Training and resources for professionals
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.
Safer recruitment
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children.
Policies and procedures
Safeguarding policies and guidance, links to the South West Child Protection Procedures resource, as well as professional information about specific topics.
3 August 2021
Childhood respiratory infections rise ahead of winter
Parents and carers are encouraged to know the signs of respiratory illnesses in young children, as cases have started to rise in some areas.
3 August 2021
Supermarket vouchers to help families buy food over the summer
Nearly 17,000 children across Devon have been sent supermarket vouchers ahead of the school summer break to help their families buy food over the holiday.
3 August 2021
Families encouraged to rediscover summer with new guide
The government is encouraging families to ‘Rediscover Summer’ and get out and about to enjoy activities together after a year of missed opportunities.
3 August 2021
Parents Childcare Survey Summer 2021
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!
21 April 2021
Let’s Get Chatting campaign launches across Devon
A new campaign focusing on the importance of speech, language and communication in children from antenatal to five years old has launched this week.
11 February 2021
A message from our new Chief Officer for Children’s Services
Melissa Caslake is delighted to have joined Devon County Council and has shared the following update for Children’s Services staff and partners.
15 July 2021
Supporting Children and Young People with Developmental Language Disorder
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.
15 July 2021
Speaking up for the Covid generation
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.
25 May 2021
Drive to combat children’s holiday hunger in Devon gets £250,000 boost
Almost 17,000 food vouchers worth over a quarter of a million pounds are being distributed this half-term.
3 August 2021
Childhood respiratory infections rise ahead of winter
Parents and carers are encouraged to know the signs of respiratory illnesses in young children, as cases have started to rise in some areas.
3 August 2021
Supermarket vouchers to help families buy food over the summer
Nearly 17,000 children across Devon have been sent supermarket vouchers ahead of the school summer break to help their families buy food over the holiday.
3 August 2021
Families encouraged to rediscover summer with new guide
The government is encouraging families to ‘Rediscover Summer’ and get out and about to enjoy activities together after a year of missed opportunities.
15 July 2021
Ofsted focused visit report published
Devon’s vital children’s services have provided a well-coordinated and effective response to the challenges of COVID, according to Government inspectors.
13 May 2021
New campaign to raise awareness of online child exploitation
Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police have joined forces to create the new ‘Look sus? Tell us’ campaign.
13 May 2021
Domestic Abuse Bill receives Royal Assent
The bill provides protection to millions of people who experience domestic abuse and strengthens measures to tackle perpetrators.
3 August 2021
New National Strategy for Autistic Children and Young People
The government issued the new national strategy for improving the lives of autistic people and their families and carers in England.
15 July 2021
Supporting Children and Young People with Developmental Language Disorder
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.
15 July 2021
Speaking up for the Covid generation
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.