Devon Safeguarding Digest – October 2025
Welcome to the Devon Safeguarding Digest. This regular update will help you stay up to speed with safeguarding news and local policy changes.
MHRA confirms taking paracetamol during pregnancy remains safe
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has stated that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
UK Covid-19 Inquiry publishes research on pandemic’s impact on children & young people
The Inquiry has published a report on the 600 children and young people it has heard from about their varying experiences of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As well as documenting the varied challenges they faced, the report also covers factors that helped them to cope, such as supportive relationships, finding ways to support wellbeing (e.g. fresh air, exercise, routine), doing something rewarding, and the ability to continue learning.
The report is available to download here.
Safety of AI chatbots for children faces US inquiry
The US Federal Trade Commission has opened an inquiry into how AI chatbot firms are protecting children, after a series of high-profile deaths alleged to be related to conversations with AI chatbots.
Average cost of place in children’s care homes in England hits £318,400 a year
A new report from the National Audit Office has looked at the skyrocketing costs of residential care for looked-after children in England.
In the most severe cases, councils have been charged up to £3.3m a year for a single placement.
Report calls for care-experienced children & young people to have better access to physical activity
A report for the Local Government Association has warned that care-experienced children and young people are a ‘hidden group’ whose access to physical activity needs greater consideration.