Independent Visitors (IVs)

An IV is an adult who is there for children in care. They are not social workers and are not part of Children’s Services. They are volunteers, so they are not paid to be an IV. They are more like a friend, someone who will meet up with children and young people regularly to have fun and do things together.

This allows children and young people in care the chance to spend time and build a relationship with an adult. The relationship is expected to be for at least 12 months but is often longer.

IVs are highly valued by the children and young people they visit, as they're often the only person involved in their lives who isn't paid to be there. IVs will meet with the child or young person they are matched with every month to:

  • take them out
  • try new activities
  • be a listening ear
  • sometimes help out with reviews

Dorset’s IV service is run by the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS).

The service is free for children and young people who:

  • are in the care of Dorset Council
  • are up to 18 years old
  • have limited or no family contact

How long does it take to get an IV?

It’s important to match children and young people with IVs that they will get on with. Sometimes this means recruiting a new volunteer. So it can take a few weeks to find a suitable match.

How is an IV different from an Independent Advocate?

An IV is there for a long-term friendship. An Independent Advocate is there to tell children and young people their rights and help make sure they are involved in all decisions about their life

Asking for an IV yourself

Children and young people can refer themselves to NYAS in the following ways:

  • by calling the freephone helpline 0808 808 1001  
  • using online Chat  
  • by WhatsApp 07494 788875 
  • by email 
  • by text 85258  

NYAS will call or message you directly about your referral and arrange the introductory meeting for you to decide if you want this support.  

Referring a child or young person

Professionals can refer using NYAS’s secure referral portal. It links to guidance on the process if required. There is a two-stage process to refer.

  • Step 1: complete NYAS’s initial service request form. From the service required drop down list, select ‘VBS - Volunteer Based Services’
  • Step 2:  complete NYAS’s service specific request form

What to do if you are interested in becoming an IV

An IV is an adult volunteer who provides support and friendship to a child or young person in care. This involves establishing a long-term supportive relationship where the child or young person will have the opportunity to develop their interests, learn new skills and build their self-esteem.

Special qualifications are not needed, just dedicated people of all ages and backgrounds who can commit to a few hours once a month for a minimum of 2 years.  They need to be comfortable with building friendships and being a good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood.

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you can:

  • make a positive difference to the life of a child or young person
  • gain valuable experience
  • meet new people
  • have fun

Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding and valuable experience to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.

Read more about becoming an Independent Visitor with NYAS