Independent Visitor

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The role of Independent Visitor was created in the United Kingdom under the 1989 Children Act to befriend children and young people in care.

The Act makes it a statutory 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.^[1]

Social Workers and carers play a very important role in the lives of children and young people in care, but a relationship with an independent adult who takes an interest in them, and is a special friend, can have great benefits too. Being an Independent Visitor is a voluntary post.