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.
22 July 2021
Head of Children’s Social Care recruited
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Lisa Bursill has been appointed to the role of Devon County Council’s Deputy Chief Officer for Children’s Services (Head of Children’s Social Care).
15 July 2021
NYAS launch surveys for big new campaign
In Autumn this year, National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) will be launching a flagship campaign focused on children’s belongings and moving home.
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.
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.
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 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.
29 June 2021
Free online course exploring the links between mental health and communication
‘Mind Your Words’ aims to improve understanding of children and young people who have both mental health needs (or social emotional and mental health needs) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs.
25 May 2021
Holiday activities and food programme across Devon
If your organisation would like help us to deliver this programme in your area, or you know of an organisation or individual who may like to get involved, please get in touch.
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.
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.
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.
29 June 2021
Free online course exploring the links between mental health and communication
‘Mind Your Words’ aims to improve understanding of children and young people who have both mental health needs (or social emotional and mental health needs) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs.