Independent visitors
An independent visitor (IV) is a volunteer who wants to get to know you and spend time with you. They are there to support, listen and advise you, but also to have fun with you.
They are not paid to spend time with you, they volunteer because they want to get to know you and understand your interests and hobbies through fun activities.
These activities can range from:
- Going out to eat at your favourite restaurant
- Sporting activities such as football or basketball
- A trip to the cinema
It is your right to have an independent visitor. Part of our law (The Children Act 1989) ensures that children and young people are kept healthy, safe and prepared for adulthood. Independent visitors are included in this law. Your social worker should help you understand your right to an IV and how an IV can benefit you.
Watch "Independent Visitor 'Our Legal Right' animation" on YouTube. (opens new window)
How do I get an independent visitor and how can I ask to see one?
If you are interested in getting an IV, you can speak to one of the following people:
- Social worker
- Foster carer
- Personal adviser
- Key worker/residential carer
- Independent reviewing officer (IRO)
- Participation officer/coordinator
Alternatively, you could ask someone you feel comfortable talking to. They can speak to your social worker on your behalf.
How to get an independent visitor
When you decide you want an IV, your social worker will get into contact with the independent visitor (IV) service in your area for you. You will then be contacted by an IV coordinator who works for the IV service. They will meet with you to find out your interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes. This will help them understand what you want from your IV so they pick someone who is right for your needs.
How do I become an independent visitor (IV) volunteer?
We, alongside Coram Voice, are currently looking for new IV volunteers with a variety of skills, knowledge and interests across Norfolk. While children and young people known to Children's Services have experienced some degree of loss and/or trauma, some children currently waiting have additional and complex needs and we'd particularly love to hear from anyone who has specific experience and knowledge in this field.
Becoming an IV volunteer means you'll be helping vulnerable children and teenagers by spending time with them and being a positive influence. You can fit volunteering around your schedule, and by regularly going out and doing fun activities together, you'll build a strong and supportive relationship that can make a big difference in their lives. You'll get full training and support, and any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
To find out more about volunteering as an IV, please email [email protected] or visit coramvoice.org.uk and select "current vacancies".
Please reach out to us if you think you'd be able to help. If you cannot help directly, please share this opportunity with family, friends and wider networks. Due to the need for all IVs to avoid a potential conflict of interest, if you are a Norfolk Children's Services employee, please contact us to discuss your eligibility to take on the IV role prior to applying.
Hear from one of our independent visitors
Mercy knew about independent visitor volunteering opportunities through her previous role as a social worker. When she changed jobs and was no longer working directly with children and young people in care, she decided to pursue the IV role.
You can read more about Mercy's experience as an independent visitor.
What if I get a new social worker or move somewhere else?
Children and young people in care often experience lots of change in their lives, such as moving foster or residential home, or their social workers changing.
An IV is a reliable adult friend who you can talk to, trust and have new experiences with. IVs often stay in your life for a long period of time, in some cases many years.
Your IV will still be there for you when you move placements and if your social worker changes - this will help to provide you with a stable, trusting relationship that can make a real difference to your life.
