Partners and providers of children’s services

Overview

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is going to affect everyone’s daily lives. To assist providers, below is some of the information applicable to children’s services. This is not an exhaustive list and much of the guidance is being updated daily, so please continue to review the coronavirus (COVID-19) list of guidance regularly.

Amendments to children’s social care legislation

New legislation came into force on 24th April that will temporarily affect the statutory obligations of children’s social care services across the country.

Details of our response are available here.

PPE requests

As emergency requests for PPE have reduced, we have reviewed our approach relating to the distribution of emergency PPE in Devon. From 3 August 2020 new arrangements will be in place as follows:

1. All services/organisations should complete this PPE request form if they require PPE.
2. All local store arrangements for PPE collection will end on 31^st Instead, deliveries of PPE supplies will be made direct to organisations/services.
3. Please note stock is limited and for emergency purposes only – up to 2 days’ supply. Devon County Council supply will be given to priority groups based on Public Health guidance.
4. Details of what type of PPE should be used can be found in our guide for staff working within local authority, education, community and social care settings.
5. Please indicate on the online request form if you require support or advice on the use of PPE and someone will contact you direct.

Please note: All services will need to allow at least five days’ notice when submitting a request for emergency supplies in future. If you need PPE urgently as a result of an outbreak or other reason, please indicate that you require it as a matter of urgency giving full details and someone will be in contact as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.

All childrens homes, secure homes and children’s residential special schools can now order the following (per week) via the Clipper PPE Portal:

• 50 IIR Masks
• 100 Aprons
• 100 Gloves (50 Pairs)
• 50 Visors
• One bottle of hand hygiene (usually 500ml)

More information about how to order can be found on the governement website.

Guidance

Supporting children and young people

This may be a difficult time for children and young people. As such, the government has produced guidance on how to support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Staffing

Please refer to the latest government guidance about COVID-19 for health professionals and other organisations and Information Governance for health and care professionals. Advice on mental health and wellbeing available as well.

Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children is also available on the government website.

Residential settings

The government has guidance on isolation for residential educational settings and cleaning in non-healthcare settings.

Personal protective equipment

The latest policy and guidance from Devon County Council for staff working within local authority, education, community and social care settings, is available to download.

Other useful links and information

Health and wellbeing

Mental health

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are offering additional crisis support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

If a child or young person (under 18) is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now access CAMHS 24/7. Please contact 03300 245 321 during normal hours (8am-5pm, Mon to Fri) or 0300 555 5000 outside these hours. Callers will speak to a call handler, their call will be forwarded to a voicemail service and their message will be returned within one hour.

There are three CAMHS crisis teams: Torbay and South Devon; Exeter, East and Mid Devon; and North Devon. Your call will be directed to the appropriate team. In the event of an emergency, please call 999.

General information about CAMHS services and referrals can be found on the Children and Family Health Devon website.

Children and Family Health Devon have also produced this list of helpful resources, apps and organisations to support children, families and young people.

Sexual health

If you have a sexual health query, phone this number directly 0300 303 3989. A receptionist from the Devon Sexual Health service will take your contact details, and a clinician from the service will call back.

During this period, assessments are being completed by telephone and there are no drop-in clinics. Face-to-face appointments will be offered only when absolutely necessary.

Young people are still able to access sexual health services including free condom supplies, emergency contraception (both pill and coil), supply of contraceptive pills (for collection from the service), advice and referral for abortion care, testing for and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Anyone needing condoms or medication, can receive these by post or collect by arrangement at one of the three clinic sites (Barnstaple, Exeter or Torquay).

Free self-testing of sexually transmitted infections for under-25s is available via the Freetest website.

For further information is available on the Devon Sexual Health website.

General health

OneSmallStep offer support and advice to young people quit smoking. If you would like to talk to someone about this service and its benefits to you, please contact us on 01392 908 139. Professionals can make a referral here.

Youth services

Many youth services are available online, digitally and through telephone support. Please see the Space website for the latest information about youth services in Devon. Meanwhile, the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS), which champions the voices and rights of care experienced children and young people, has guidance and support available through its website.

Community and business support in Devon

Find out what community support is available in your local area. Meanwhile, Heart of the South West Growth Hub has additional information and support for businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

General guidance

The government has launched a Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp. The new, free to use service aims to provide official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Children’s Commissioner has produced these two useful guides:

• Children’s guide to Coronavirus
• Coronavirus, children and you: Advice, information, suggestions, answers and resources to help during the pandemic

Further support and contact

If you have any questions, there are impacts on your service as a result of COVID-19, or you need to speak to a member of the team please contact childrenscommissioningsecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk