Independent Visitor

rdf:langString Independent Visitor

rdf:langString The role of Independent Visitor was created in the United Kingdom under the 1989 Children Act to befriend children and young people in care. Independent Visitors are adult volunteers who give up some of their free time to take a special interest in a child or young adult, especially those placed in a residential setting who would benefit from a more individualised relationship. The Act makes it a legal requirement that children and young people who are looked after by Social Services, and who have little or no contact with their birth parents, should be offered the chance to have an adult in their lives who can give them support and advice, and take an interest in their affairs. The 2008 Children and Young Peoples Act states more specifically that all young people in care have a right to an Independent Visitor. The appointment of an independent visitor takes place when it is in the child’s interests to do so and must be determined according to the child's needs. Under Section 3:262, an independent visitor must not be an elected member or an officer of the responsible authority.