Agenda item

The Independent Visitor Co-ordinator, Mark den Hollander delivered a report and presentation which provided information on the Independent Visitor Service (for copy of report and presentation see file of minutes).

Information was provided on the role of Independent Visitors (IV) who are trained volunteers who provide trusted and consistent relationships to children and young people looked after.  The IV Coordinator explained the challenges faced by the service on its inception in April 2020, which coincided with the national lockdown and how working practices were reviewed in order to develop the service.  The Panel heard that at the end of August 2022 there had been 93 referrals to the service for a match, with 70 matches being made and 37 matches concluded.  Focus for the future includes the continued development of the service and the aim to meet the National Independent Visitor Service target of 10% of children in care being matched by June 2024.

The IV Coordinator explained that the service requires that students who volunteer must be able to commit to the role for at least one year and preferably two years in order to provide continuity. 

When transitions occur from one IV to another, these are managed very carefully in order to minimise disruption. 

In response to a question, the IV Coordinator explained that training to become an IV takes approximately 5 weeks.

Resolved:

a)    That an update on the Independent Visitor Service be included in the Corporate Parenting Panel Annual Report.

b)    That the Corporate Parenting Panel receive biennial updates on the Independent Visitor Service.