1.9.1 Advocacy and Independent Visitors

Contents

1.	Advocates
2.	Independent Visitors
	2.1	When to Appoint
	2.2	Duties of Independent Visitor

1. Advocates

Homes managers must ensure that each child has access to an independent person who can act as their advocate. The contact details of a local children's advocacy services should be easily accessible to children.  Where a child requires access to an advocate staff should liaise with the placing social worker regarding access to an Independent Visitor or make contact with a Children's Advocacy Service.

An Advocate can represent or assist a child at a meeting (for example a Looked After Review), assist in making a complaint or bringing a matter to the attention of staff/managers or the Regulatory Authority.

2. Independent Visitors

2.1 When to Appoint

An Independent Visitor may be appointed for a child in the following circumstances:

• where there is infrequent communication between a child and parent; or
• where there has been no contact between a child and parent for the preceding 12 months
• and it is in the best interests of the child to make such an appointment.

Where an appointment is considered necessary, the child's social worker will identify whether there is a person already known to the child and independent of the local authority who may be suitable. If there is not, each authority will have it's own procedures for appointment.

Independent Visitors must be suitably qualified and have undergone necessary checks with the Criminal Records Bureau, the Company and the NSPCC.

The child must be consulted about the appointment and if he or she objects, the appointment should not be made.

2.2 Duties of Independent Visitor

The independent visitor should undertake regular visits to the child and maintain other contact, by telephone and letter as appropriate.

The main purpose of the visits and contacts will be to befriend the child and give advice and assistance as appropriate.

End