Our vision is:

“A Devon shaped with young people that works for and meets the needs of young people.”

To do this, we will:

• provide children and young people with meaningful and accessible ways to have their voices heard
• give honest, clear, and timely responses
• provide opportunities to co-produce solutions
• work with partner organisations that work for young people

It is underpinned by the values of:

• Article 12 of the United Nations of the Rights of the Child: Every child has the right to be heard and taken seriously in all matters affecting them
• Devon’s restorative practice framework and Pillar 4 of Devon’s 7 pillars of practice
• Child First – national Youth Justice Framework
• Devon’s Top Tips for Workers developed by young people
• The Four Cornerstones of SEND practice
• Working Together 2023 which guides the shared child-centred approach of the Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership (Devon SCP)

The Youth Participation Strategy for Devon forms a key part of the Council’s strategic priority of “Being ambitious for children and young people – where we aim for every child in Devon to have the best outcomes, to live an independent and healthy life and to achieve their full potential.” (DCC’s Strategic Plan 2021-25).

This strategy will outline the way that we will do this. It has been developed by members of our Devon Youth Council and agreed in partnership with Devon Children’s Services workforce.