Safeguarding
Information and resources
Make a request for support or report a child safety concern
If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person in Devon, please use the online referral form. This form will go through to the safeguarding mailbox and be triaged by a Team Manager within the ‘Front Door’.
However, if you deem the child to be at risk of significant harm you have an option to contact the ‘Front Door’ directly on 01392 388 428. Their lines are open Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-3pm. You will still be required to complete an online form within the timescales.
If you need help outside of these hours or at weekends or bank holidays, please call the Emergency Duty Service on 0345 6000 388.
If a child is at immediate risk contact the police on 999.
Devon Children’s Front Door
The Devon Front Door incorporates the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which is Children’s Services first point of contact and the start of the child and family’s social care journey. The Front Door receives all the requests for early help and safeguarding from people who are worried and concerned for children. These requests can come from professionals, such as the Police, Education and Health, but also members of the public, family members and young people themselves.
Their job at the Front Door is to identify, assess and make safe at the earliest opportunity all vulnerable children and families in our communities. They do this through the sharing of information and intelligence across the safeguarding partnership, such as health, education, Police, and probation, to name but a few. This supports them to make informed decisions about how best to progress and support vulnerable children and families.
Early help
Earl help is the extra support your family can get if you need it. It may be that you want to prevent a problem or change things for your family before the problem becomes more serious. Find more information about early help on the Devon Children and Families Partnership website.
ACT Early – prevent radicalisation and extremism
Research shows that family and friends are best placed to spot the signs that someone might be vulnerable to radicalisation. If you’re worried someone close to you is being radicalised, act early and reach out for help. The team give advice and guidance, and together with other organisations, can put the right support in place. Without it, your loved one could be drawn down a dangerous path, so they will work with you to help them escape it.
The ACT Early website is designed to increase awareness of the signs of radicalisation, where to go for help and support and to increase understanding and confidence in the referral process.
NSPCC
Support and tips to help you keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child. See the NSPCC website for more information.
Talk to Frank
Use the Talk to Frank website to find honest information, advice and support about drugs
Childline
Childline offers a free, private and confidential service where young people can talk about anything by calling on 0800 1111. The Childline website also offers information, advice and resources.
YoungMinds
The UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people’s mental health offers advice and support for young people and their parents. More information is available on the YoungMinds website.
Preventing Exploitation Toolkit
The Preventing Exploitation Toolkit focuses on five types of exploitation which are major concerns in Devon. Exploitation can take many other forms and the information on these pages may also apply to other types of exploitation.
Intercom Trust
A lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans+ charity working across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the wider South West, providing support, counselling, support groups and much more. More information on the Intercom Trust website.
NHS – getting help for domestic violence and abuse
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Use the NHS website to find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.
Refuge
The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline. Call 0808 2000 247 or see the Refuge website for more information.
Keeping your child safe when using the internet
Childnet – supporting young people online
The Childnet website provides information and resources for parents and carers on how to keep their children safe online.
Information leaflets from Childnet are also available in a range of languages.
Better Internet for Kids
Better Internet for Kids has sites for all European countries.
Internet Matters
The Internet Matters website provides support and practical tips for keeping your child safe when using the internet.
Resources
A supportive toolkit to help parents understand and navigate challenging behaviours