Doncaster Independent Visitors Scheme

Introduction

All children and young people need an adult in their lives who can give them support, advice, take an interest in their health, education, religious and cultural needs and help them to develop into successful happy adults.

Most of us take this role for granted because it is a part of being a parent. Social Workers and carers play a very important role in the lives of children and young people in care, but a relationship with an independent adult who takes an interest in them, and is a special friend, can have great benefits too.

The Children Act 1989

The Children Act 1989 requires that Independent Visitors are appointed so that children and young people who want to can have the benefits of a special friendship with an adult who is outside the care system. The independence of the visitors is very important and is a requirement of the Act. For this reason Councillors and Doncaster Council staff cannot be Independent Visitors. This rule also applies to the partners or spouse of Councillors or Doncaster Council staff.

What is an Independent Visitor?

An Independent Visitor is:   

• An unpaid volunteer who has time to spare and is committed to visiting a child or young person regularly over a long period 
• An ordinary person, often without any formal qualifications
• A person who can relate well to children and young people and has a genuine interest in the welfare of young people 
• An adult of any age over 18 from any ethnic, religious or cultural background                          

Anyone who wants to be an Independent Visitor is police checked, given an induction, and receives training and support.   

What are the benefits to a child or young person?

The main role of an Independent Visitor is to be a special friend to a child or young person who has little or no contact with their parents. An Independent Visitor cannot replace a parent, a carer or Social Worker but can contribute to the welfare and care of the child or young person by:   

• Offering friendship and advice 
• Sharing their interests and activities 
• Being a good listener 
• Encouraging them to reach their full educational potential 
• Providing a long term commitment and 'just being there' 
• Giving help during difficult times 
• Helping them to make their voice heard 
• Assisting in the development of social skills 

Who is involved in appointing an Independent Visitor and monitoring the relationship with a child or young person in care?

A number of people, for example, a Doctor or teacher could be involved in identifying that a child or young person in care would benefit from a relationship with an Independent Visitor, but the decision will always involve the following people:  

• The child or Young person who must agree to the appointment of an Independent Visitor 
• The Social Worker and carer  who can play a very important part in the appointment of an Independent Visitor by:

1. identifying that the child or young person has infrequent or no contact with their parents and would benefit from a relationship with an adult outside the care system 

2. informing the child or young person that the scheme exists

3. monitoring and supporting the relationship between the child or young person and the Independent Visitor

4. provide feedback to the scheme co-ordinator 

What the Independent Visitors Scheme Co-ordinator will do

The Independent Visitors Scheme Co-ordinator will:   

• Give information to the child or young person about the Independent Visitors scheme 
• Listen to the child or young person and take their wishes into account 
• Match the child or young person with an Independent Visitor who shares their interests 
• Consider other factors, such as, age, sex and experience when matching the child or young person to an Independent Visitor 
• Make sure that anyone who wants to be an Independent Visitor is police checked, has references and is given proper training and support 
• Monitor the relationship
• Give help in overcoming any problems
• Provide support through supervision and team meetings
• Provide initial and ongoing training 

How is a referral made to the Independent Visitor Scheme?

The Scheme Co-ordinator's contact details are at the top of this page, you can write, phone or e-mail.

Apply to become a volunteer

Further information and an application form are available on the Information for Volunteers page.