What is an independent visitor?
Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and visit children and young people in Local Authority care who have little or no contact with their parents. The Importance of the role of the Independent Visitors and guidelines on their appointment is covered by Children Act 1989.
The independence of the Visitors is extremely important and for this reason a person who works in the Doncaster Council's Looked After Children service or who is a Local Councillor cannot become a volunteer. This rule also applies to the partners or spouse of Councillors and Doncaster Council staff.
Being an Independent Visitor presents a positive and worthwhile challenge for volunteers and the scheme is very much valued by young people.
What does an independent visitor do?
An Independent Visitor is a special adult who supports young people in care by:
- Offering friendship and advice
- Sharing their interests and activities
- Being a good listener
- Encouraging them to reach their full educational potential
- Providing long term commitment and 'just being there'
- Giving help during difficult times
- Helping them to make their voice heard
- Assisting in the development social skills
What qualities are needed to become an independent visitor?
Independent Visitors:
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Do not need any formal qualifications or experience
- Need to be able to relate well to children and have a genuine interest in the welfare of young people
- Must be reliable and committed to visiting the child regularly over a long period
- Come from different backgrounds and age groups
A friendly outgoing personality with enthusiasm, patience and a sense of humour is an advantage.
A major element of the befriending role is the ability to develop a confidential and trusting relationship with children who may be disillusioned by their previous relationships with adults. This could be a slow process and will require patience and understanding.
The appointment of Independent visitors
Potential volunteers are:
- Asked to complete an application form and to provide two references
- Invited to a preliminary discussion with the Scheme Co-ordinator
- Police checked and reference are taken
- Given induction training
- Given a final interview before appointment
After appointment:
- A careful match is made between the Independent Visitor and a young person.
- A child's wishes, interests, cultural or racial background are taken into account when finding a suitable Independent Visitor
- Independent visitors receive any out of pocket expenses
- Support and advice on an individual and group basis are available
- Training sessions and social events are arranged at regular intervals
