Barnardo’s and the National Independent Visitor Development Project have published a report on independent support for children in care in England.
Findings from Freedom of Information responses from 149 local authorities include:
- 3.2% of the total looked after children population in England are currently matched with an independent visitor (IV)
- over 1000 children are on a waiting list for an IV
- 8 Local Authorities in England responded that they do not have an IV service. Government, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations are asked to consider signing up to a newly published set of quality standards.
Further information: The national independent visitor data report (PDF)
National Standards for the provision of independent visitor services (PDF)