Independent visitors are members of the public who visit a child in care who has infrequent or no contact with parents or family.

Independent visitors are members of the public who visit a child in care who has infrequent or no contact with parents or family.

All children need an adult in their lives to take an interest in, support, advise and encourage them. An independent visitor is there for the child and takes on a befriending role.

Further information can be obtained from : Seen and Heard, Barnados.

The 1989 Childrens Act makes provision for all looked after children (in local authority care)who do not have regular contact with parents or someone who assumes parental responsibility to have their right to an independent visitor.