Independent Visitor

To be an Independent Visitor (IV) is to be a trusted adult to a child or young person in care, where it is thought that this will be in their best interests; to provide opportunities for children and young people to develop meaningful, long term relationships with adults.

The Independent Visitor Volunteer Scheme is a statutory service for children who are ‘looked after’ by the local authority. It is for those children who would benefit from having an independent adult in their life. This scheme is voluntary for the young person, which means that they can choose to have an Independent Visitor at any time from age 8 years old, up until they turn 21.

Independent visitors need to be consistent and reliable, so that children can build a trusting, positive relationship with them over time. The child will have the opportunity to try new activities, and spend time with their IV away from their placement.

The IV will endeavour to become and remain a consistent adult in the child’s life, who doesn’t change when placements or social workers do.

IV’s begin by supporting the young person fortnightly for the first 3 months, and then continue on a monthly basis. IV’s can meet with young people Monday – Sunday between 9am and 8pm.

The role involves:

• Attending two days of induction training, and a further 1 ½ days training in relation to being an independent visitor
• Working with the volunteer coordinator to agree a match with a child/young person
• Attending an initial meeting with the child/ young person to agree the ongoing support
• Meeting with the child/ young person and deliver the ongoing support agreed
• Keeping and submitting brief records about your contact/visits with the child/ young person you are matched with
• Endeavouring to provide support for a minimum of a year
• Attend regular supervision/ support sessions

In return volunteers benefit from:

• Training relative to the role
• Including you in the matching process of the child/ young person
• Providing you with ongoing, high quality, and timely support
• Provide a £25 budget per monthly session
• Pay mileage expenses at 45p/ mile (mileage expenses can only be paid on evidence that you have business insurance and an MOT)

Skills

Training and support will be provided therefore previous experience is not essential. We are seeking volunteers who feel able to:

• Communicate and ensure people, with varied levels of ability, understand information.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with children/young people.
• Listen and remain calm and impartial when communicating with children/young people.
• Respect differing views of individuals and work in a non judgmental way.
  
• Respect confidentiality and the agreed information sharing process.
• Have the confidence to report concerns to their Volunteer Coordinator.
• Be able to describe their role and maintain professional boundaries.