The following could be of help. Orphans, etc. were placed out.
Margaret if you had given a name, I could have checked to see if they appear on my list.

Good Luck.

Try
1696-1828
NDRO: Nat Arch
Examination in Bastardy
Reference: 3330A - 1/PO 2
Title: North Devon Record Office: Volume containing settlement and bastardy papers.
Description:
Examination in Bastardy - Charity Mitchell, mother - John Brunsten putative father 1696

Try
1818-1835 North Devon Record Office: Apprenticeship indentures (in vol)
Reference: 3330A/PO 4
1818-1835

*******************.
North Devon Record Office: Account book, with rates and casual payments
Reference: 814 A/PO 2
Title: North Devon Record Office: Account book, with rates and casual payments

Title: North Devon Record Office: Apprenticeship indentures (in vol)
Description:
(Listed as in volume)

or
Reference: 814 A/PO 1439 - 1818-1835
Title: North Devon Record Office: Ledger of parish bastards
Description:
Gives names of the putative father & mother; also how much was paid in maintenance & for what period