Children’s Commissioner expresses concern at low numbers of Independent Visitors

The Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel De Souza, has warned that the number of Independent Visitors available to looked after children are “still low” in some local authorities.

The Commissioner highlighted how, as set out in the Children Act 1989, an Independent Visitor should be appointed to every looked after child to befriend and advise them, when it is in their best interest. 

They are trained to support children and provide a stable adult relationship outside of their care arrangement.

"I want to make sure that all local authorities ensure all children looked after are made aware of their right to an Independent Visitor and are able to access one, should they wish to," Dame Rachel said.

Last year, however, the National Independent Visitor Network identified that were some local authorities with no, or very few, Independent Visitors matched with children in care.

Since then, the Children’s Commissioner has found that most of the local authorities that were identified had increased the number of Independent Visitors, “which is welcome”, she said.

However, she warned the numbers were “still low” and it was likely that many more would be needed to ensure that every child could access support if they wanted it.

In her request to local authorities, Dame Rachel asked about how they ensure children are aware of their entitlement to an Independent Visitor.

She said: “I was glad to see local authorities note that both social workers and Independent Reviewing Officers seek to make children aware of their right to an Independent Visitor.

“We must also make sure that there are enough Independent Visitors across the country to support children and provide them with advice and guidance from an adult they can trust and rely on”.

Lottie Winson