Devon Council is recruiting 20 family care workers and closing two children's homes, as part of a radical overhaul of its 265m social services.
The changes follow a council report that claims Devon people want greater independence and less institutionalised care.
"They want to live in their own homes where possible, aided by flexible services that are tailored to their need," the report said.
The council has said that it would invest more in family and parent support in order to help children remain at home whenever it is better for them to do so.
