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Looked after children are one of the most vulnerable and isolated groups of young people in the UK. Their lives have been disrupted and many have been taken into care because of abuse and neglect.
Lack of contact with their family often means that they have not experienced supportive and trusting relationships with adults. Instead, their relationships are with others who have experienced isolation and rejection. They are also more likely to come into contact with individuals who may exploit their vulnerable background.
These experiences can lead to emotional upset and behavioural problems that can have a negative impact on their life and increase their risk of being abused.
To help protect looked after children, the NSPCC and other children's charities, provide independent visiting and advocacy on behalf of local authorities. These services offer independent advice and support, helping looked after children address any problems in their lives and concerns about their care.
Facts and Figures
What do independent visitors do?
Independent visitors are vetted and trained volunteers who provide friendship, support and a positive adult influence in the life of a looked after child.
The NSPCC has approximately 180 independent visitors. They receive training on the needs of looked after children, child development, child protection, children's rights and how to communicate effectively with children and young people.
The NSPCC offers its volunteer's regular support and guidance, as well as annual appraisals to ensure the quality of the service they provide.
Once trained, independent visitors are carefully matched with a looked after child. They then meet on a regular monthly basis to take part in activities they both enjoy.
A long term, stable relationship with an independent visitor can make a huge difference to a child's life. The independent visitor can help protect a child by providing them with the support they need to speak out about any worries or concerns.
Children and young people say they value their independent visitor as an adult who wants to spend time with them, rather than a person who is paid to do so. This experience can boost the child's self esteem and help them build solid and trusting relationships as they grow up.
What do advocacy services do?
The NSPCC also provides advocacy services, which are independent of the care system.
Advocates promote a child's rights and provide them with confidential advice and support to help address any issues or concerns they have about their care. They ensure a child's views are listened to and where possible acted on and decisions fully explained to, and understood by the young people.
Advocates can help a child deal with social services and care system procedures and staff for example by helping them to write letters and complaints forms and prepare for meetings. They will also organise for children with disabilities to have access to specialist communication methods, such as picture boards or Braille text.
Lack of service provision
Under the Children Act 1989, every looked after child has the right to an independent visitor. However, not all local authorities have been able to fulfil this obligation and some children who are entitled to this service are not receiving it. The NSPCC continues to lobby the Government to provide independent visitors and advocacy services for every looked after child in the UK.
Sources
(1) DCFS, 2007, Children looked after in England (including adoption and care leavers) year ending 31 March 2007.
(2) Local Government Data Unit: Children Looked After in Wales: Year Ending 31 March 2007.
(3) Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (N.I), 2007, Children Order Statistics 2007.
(4) Scottish Executive, 2008, Children Looked After Statistics 2006 - 07.
(5) DCFS, 2007, Children looked after in England (including adoption and care leavers) year ending 31 March 2007.
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Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.