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.
8 April 2021
Free holiday time activities and meals for children aged 0 to 18
Children and young people are being invited to attend holiday-time activities, with free healthy meals, over the Easter break.
6 April 2021
Vaccines for parent carers of clinically vulnerable children
If you are a parent carer of a clinically extremely vulnerable child or young person in Devon, you may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.
29 March 2021
Important changes to the Disabled Children’s Service Direct Payments policy
As Government restrictions ease, the flexibilities to the Direct Payment policy will end at midnight on Sunday 18th April 2021.
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.
19 January 2021
Chief Officer for Children’s Services Update
Devon’s new Chief Officer for Children’s Services, Melissa Caslake, will start with the County Council on 1 February 2021.
15 January 2021
New YouTube channel for pre-school children
With TailfeatherTV, children can explore and engage with fun topics through dance, singing, signing, learning, and playing.
29 March 2021
Meeting with Devon Youth Parliament
Members of Devon’s Youth Parliament met with with key managers and leaders within the DCFP to discuss the results of the Make Your Mark survey and put forward the views of young people on a number of priority topics.
24 March 2021
A look back at the school year
Schools have done a tremendous job in building confidence and welcoming pupils back, and we have had some great responses from pupils, parents, headteachers and their staff.
5 March 2021
Returning to school and college on 8 March
What you need to know for the return to school and college next week.
6 April 2021
Vaccines for parent carers of clinically vulnerable children
If you are a parent carer of a clinically extremely vulnerable child or young person in Devon, you may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.
24 March 2021
Impact of coronavirus on speech and language development
The team have been working hard during the last year to raise awareness among about the importance of speech and language.
24 March 2021
Combating hardship and holiday hunger
We’ve worked closely with our partners to make sure vulnerable families in Devon worst affected by the financial impacts of the pandemic are supported.
18 March 2021
Child Exploitation Awareness day
Child exploitation encompasses sexual and criminal exploitation, trafficking, modern slavery and other forms of adolescent vulnerability.
10 March 2021
Twilight Information Sessions for parents and carers
Parents and Carers in South Devon are being invited to join three, free online sessions to enable them to enhance their support of young people through challenging times.
4 March 2021
Together for Childhood safeguarding workshop
A week of engaging bite-size sessions for professionals working in safeguarding children and adults is taking place from 22 to 26 March.
6 April 2021
Vaccines for parent carers of clinically vulnerable children
If you are a parent carer of a clinically extremely vulnerable child or young person in Devon, you may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.
29 March 2021
Important changes to the Disabled Children’s Service Direct Payments policy
As Government restrictions ease, the flexibilities to the Direct Payment policy will end at midnight on Sunday 18th April 2021.
24 March 2021
Impact of coronavirus on speech and language development
The team have been working hard during the last year to raise awareness among about the importance of speech and language.