Independent Visitors befriend a looked after young person to make a positive difference to their life. This provides the young person with the opportunity to develop a trusting, reliable relationship with an adult who will listen to them, offer one to one independent support and advice as well as supporting their involvement in fun social and leisure activities.
The Independent Visitor can be a friend and/or mentor to the young person depending on their individual needs – most importantly the Independent Visitor is someone the young person can trust and enjoy spending time with to develop new interests, skills and hobbies.
Independent Visitors visit a young person on a regular basis, and it is expected that this will be once a month. The visits can be for a couple of hours or for the whole day, depending on the planned activity
• Not employed by North Yorkshire County Council Children’s Social Care
functions.
• Excellent listening, interpersonal and communication.
• Ability to engage young people.
• Ability to be a positive role model and to build a supportive relationship
with a young person, being mindful of professional boundaries.
• Commitment to personal development and ability to navigate challenges
within the context of an ongoing relationship with a young person.
• Have a non- judgemental, patient and empathetic approach.
• Awareness of issues that may affect young people who are looked after.
• Be reliable and available to provide regular support once per month and
to attend relevant training and meetings.
• Be good fun and enjoy the company of young people.
It is intended that Independent Visitors will establish an ongoing relationship with a young person and we therefore ask that you plan to be available for a minimum of two years.
We are currently providing training over a period of four weeks. This includes some home study and one online training session per week. It covers the Independent Visitor role and responsibilities, maintaining boundaries and child protection and considers needs and possible issues affecting children and young people who are looked after.
The scheme expects Independent Visitors and young people to meet once a month. There is an activity budget for the match to plan their day this could be a cinema trip, crazy golf, a football match or a walk for example. Travel costs will also be covered by the scheme. In rural areas the use of a car may be necessary.
Independent Visitors will receive an enhanced DBS check.
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM | |||||||
| PM | |||||||
| Eve |
Youth Development Workers help set up, support and develop community-led clubs and projects for young people aged 11 - 19 years. NYY also provides training and resources for both new and established clubs and adventurous activities for young people at Carlton Lodge Activity Centre. The Buddy network is a befriending project for young people aged 14 - 19 years. NYY produce an A-Z of Clubs and Projects for Young People in Harrogate District Booklet
