Independent visitors are volunteers who are matched with children and young people who are ‘in care’ and who have little or no contact with their families. The Children Act 1989 states that all children and young people in care, aged from around 5 to 18, who would benefit, must be offered the opportunity of having an ordinary adult in their lives. Independent Visitors are ‘normal people’ from all walks of life who have some time to offer a child or young person. They are unpaid, but they recover expenses, including transportation and some money for activities. The Guidance to The Children Act 1989 defines the Independent Visitor’s role as ‘visiting, advising and befriending’. They are often able to provide a sense of ‘normal’ life to a young person who is living in a children’s home, who have moved among numerous foster placements or are in a kinship care arrangement. Young people regard Independent Visitors as ‘adult friends’ who are able to take them on activities, support them through difficult times, provide a listening ear, and, in many cases, offer a long-term relationship.
Independent Visitors must be over 18 years of age, and may either be individuals or married/cohabiting couples. Independent Visitors must be as independent as possible from Social Services, and for this reason they must not work for Children & Families Social Services, live with a partner who does, or be an elected member of the local council. Children and young people who are eligible for independent visitors have a vast diversity of needs, and Independent Visitors from a wide range of racial and cultural backgrounds, as well as those with disabilities, are therefore encouraged to apply. No formal education or qualifications are needed to be an Independent Visitor, although some personal qualities are pre-requisite to the role. Independent Visitors need to have an active interest in the welfare of children and must be flexible, and resilient. Above all, Independent Visitors need to be reliable and committed to visiting their child or young person regularly.
