Volunteer Independent Visitor

The Independent Visitor Scheme is for children looked after by West Sussex County Council and who are aged between 8 and 17 years old.  Independent visitors are volunteers who visit and befriend a child in care. Independent visitors are matched with children who have little or no contact with their birth families, or where it is considered in their best interests for them to have an adult outside the professional network, to provide a consistent, positive and supportive relationship.  Independent visitors befriend and advise the individual child they are matched with, visiting them at their foster or children's home on a regular basis and taking them out e.g swimming, walks in the park and bowling. Visits are normally monthly.

Skills

• patience
• good listener
• non-judgemental
• fun loving
• consistent, reliable and trustworthy
• relate to children and young people.
  

Benefits

Fun, new experiences, interest in children and young people.

Practical Considerations

• Visits to be arranged with children evenings, days and weekends.
• Preference for those that drive.
• Good energy to keep up with the young people.
• Complete monthly electronic paperwork and regular supervision.
  

When do I need to be available?

Details	Independent visitors are required to meet with a young person once a month for a minimum of 2 years at times to suit the volunteer and child/young person

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Register your Interest