What is an independent visitor?Sometimes the local authority suggest to a looked after child that they might like an adult who is separate from the local authority to visit them from time to time, to be your friend, to listen to how you are feeling and give you advice if you want. This is called an independent visitor. How do I get an independent visitor?Not all looked after children will be offered an independent visitor. You may be offered one if you do not speak to your parents often, or they have not visited you in the last year. You may also be offered one if you are living a long way from your family home or you cannot go out alone. If you find it hard to make friends, or your social worker thinks an independent visitor might help with your education or health, they may suggest it to you. |
‘It was really good having an independent visitor. She did pretty much whatever I wanted, just girly stuff like going to the cinema, shopping, horse riding or the theatre. After a couple of years I met her daughter and her family and even had sleepovers at her house. It was dead good. About six months into our friendship I started telling her more personal stuff, things about my mum, things that I didn’t want anyone else to know about. Every teenager has things they want to talk about, but it’s not always stuff you want your carer or social worker to know. She was totally separate from social services, she was someone I could trust. She was like a soulmate. In fact, we’ve remained friends even though I left care a year ago.’ Karen, 19
