Welcome to the Devon's Children and Families Procedures Manual

This manual was updated in April 2025. The next update will be in October 2025.

Please see 'Using this Manual' for details about the way this manual works.

For further details, please contact: childsc.proceduresmanualonlinesecure-mailbox@devon.gov.uk.

Please note:

• Legislation and Regulation relating to time spent with birth family members is referred to as 'contact' in all current national regulation and legislation as well as in court judgements. However, in Devon, we are always mindful that for children in our care the time is time spent with family members and we think of it as 'family time';
• Throughout this manual there are references to Looked After Children or LAC or Children Looked After. These usages reflect current national regulation and legislation as well as in court judgements. However, in Devon, we prefer the phrase Children in Care or Children in our Care and this is the language we will use whenever and wherever possible.

Click here to locate Local Resources within this manual and for Academy Sharepoint Resources & Guidance click on: The 7 Pillars of Practice.