Are you interested in becoming an independent visitor?
Would you like to make a difference to people’s lives in your community? Gain new experience, receive training and learn new skills? Meet new people? Gain the satisfaction of knowing you are doing something worthwhile?
Have you got space and time in your life to volunteer?
Then why don’t you volunteer to spend time as an Independent Visitor, befriending and mentoring a young person in the care of East Riding of Yorkshire Council?
What is an Independent Visitor?
An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer who befriends and visits a child or young person living in the care of the local authority who has little or no contact with their parents. The importance of the role of Independent Visitors and guidelines on their appointment is covered by the Children Act 1989.
What does an Independent Visitor do?
An Independent Visitor visits a young person every 2 - 4 weeks and takes them out to engage with them in fun activities in and outings. This one to one relationship can involve anything from bowling and the cinema, to kicking a football in the park. The Independent Visitor is a friend, mentor and/or advocate to the young person depending on their individual needs – most importantly the Independent Visitor and child just have some fun!
Who can be an Independent Visitor?
Anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer with the scheme. To ensure the independent role of visitors, we cannot accept applications from people who work for East Riding of Yorkshire Council Children’s Services, nor can we accept members of the local council and its committees, nor a spouse or partner of these groups.
Who can have an Independent Visitor?
Any Looked After Child aged between seven and eighteen years old who doesn’t have regular contact with their birth parents, or who has agreed that they would benefit from a befriending or mentoring relationship with a trusted adult. No child has to have an Independent Visitor if they don’t want one.
What do I need to be an Independent Visitor?
Independent Visitors do not need any formal qualifications but do need to be able to relate well to children and to have a genuine interest in the welfare of young people. You also need to commit to visiting a child or young person for at least two years.
For some children, earlier relationships with adults have ended in disappointment and disillusionment. The establishment of a trusting relationship will form one of the main elements of the befriending role. This could be a slow process and will require patience and understanding. Most importantly, an Independent Visitor should be reliable and committed to visiting the child regularly.
How do I apply?
The application process involves four stages. You need to successfully complete all stages to become an Independent Visitor. The stages are:
- Complete the application form (including two references) and CRB check.
- Attend first interview
- Attend training course.
- Attend final interview
What does the training involve?
The training is spread over eight sessions. These will be carried out on an evening. The training will cover a number of areas including safeguarding children, communication skills, and the role of the Independent Visitor, maintaining boundaries, and personal safety. The training sessions are informal and we try to make them enjoyable! They include the opportunity to meet an existing Independent Visitor, as well as meet young people who currently are matched with an Independent Visitor.
How long does it take?
The total process from applying to being matched with a young person takes approximately four months. However because we have fixed training dates, depending on when you apply, this process could take longer.
If I am appointed as an Independent Visitor, what happens next ?
During the application process we will ask you what kind of young person you would like to be matched with. Once you have successfully completed the process we will send you a pen picture of a young person that we think would make a good match. If you are in agreement, the children’s rights officer (independent visitors and advocacy) will meet with you to discuss in more detail. If both you and the child are happy to go ahead, you will be guided throughout the matching up process by the children’s rights officer.
Who will support me?
The children’s rights officers are there to offer their support and answer any questions or queries you may have via telephone, email or face to face.
What are the financial implications?
Volunteers are paid out of pocket expenses to cover mileage and any activities they do with the young person, subject to an agreed budget.
For further details please call the Young People’s Participation and Rights Team on 01482 396828, or email rights4u@eastriding.gov.uk
Role description for an independent visitor
Application form for independent visitors