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.
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.
23 November 2020
Upcoming virtual event with the Children’s Commissioner
As part of Care Month, the Children’s Commissioner will be holding a live virtual event on 24 November to present her vision for a better care system for children.
19 November 2020
Multi-agency autism training opportunities
A new online autism training programme is now available for multi-agency practitioners working with young people on the autism spectrum.
18 November 2020
Space* youth services survey
Our youth services are continuing to strengthen their digital offering and want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how they and improve.
30 September 2020
Childcare exempt from localised restrictions
Families who share caring responsibilities with another household are allowed to continue if the care support is consistent.
11 September 2020
Update from Jo Olsson on Head of Children’s Social Care
An update from Jo Olsson, Devon County Council’s Chief Officer for Children’s Services and Chair of the DCFP Executive Group
31 July 2020
New parents urged to claim Child Benefit
New parents in Devon are being urged to claim Child Benefit, even if they have not yet been able to register the birth of their newborns due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
11 November 2020
UK Youth Parliament Make Your Mark Ballot 2020
Mark Your Mark allows 11-18 year olds to have their say on the issues that mean the most to them. Voting is opening throughout November.
11 November 2020
Greener Devon 2020
Led by Devon’s Youth Parliament, Greener Devon Week highlighted the issue of climate change and promoted green ideas to help save the environment.
11 September 2020
Update from Jo Olsson on Head of Children’s Social Care
An update from Jo Olsson, Devon County Council’s Chief Officer for Children’s Services and Chair of the DCFP Executive Group
4 November 2020
We’re asking young people to tell us what advice they need
We want to know what information or advice children and young people need right now, so that we can provide the right guidance for them in the right way.
10 October 2020
World Mental Health Day
It’s World Mental Health Day today (Saturday, 10 October). And this year it comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
7 October 2020
Safer Summer Scheme: we need your feedback!
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) are inviting residents (and visitors) in Devon and Cornwall to complete a short survey about their Safer Summer Scheme.
7 October 2020
Exeter Hate Crime and Radicalisation Online Conference
The Exeter Community Safety Partnership is hosting a free online conference that will look at Hate Crime, links to extremism and partnership working to tackle Hate Crimes.
6 October 2020
Domestic abuse victims exempt from rule of six
Victims of domestic abuse can still access vital support services and groups, despite current restrictions.
30 September 2020
Safest 2020 – virtual safeguarding festival
A fantastic virtual safeguarding festival is taking place from 19th to 23rd October, with a number of fantastic keynote speeches and workshops on offer.
19 November 2020
Multi-agency autism training opportunities
A new online autism training programme is now available for multi-agency practitioners working with young people on the autism spectrum.
11 November 2020
Give your views on access to speech and language therapy
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists wants to find out how COVID-19 has affected access to speech and language therapy.
22 October 2020
SEND Strategy 2021-2024 Survey
We are developing a new vision for the SEND service and would love to hear your views on what this should look like.