CYP Now - Call for independent visitor scheme to be extended to 25

Independent visitors, who offer emotional support to looked-after children, should be made available to all those with experience of care until they are 25, according to the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS).

Young people are entitled to indepdent visitors until age 18 under current rules. Picture: Adobe Stock

Access to the trained volunteers is currently a statutory entitlement for children in care up to the age of 18.

But NYAS warns that the scheme is not being used by young people as the current age cut off hinders their opportunity to build a relationship with independent visitors.

Its Across the Border report warns that just 3.3 per cent of children in care in England and only one per cent in Wales have an independent visitor.

It also warns that many care-experienced young people are not aware of their right to be supported by an independent visitor.

“We believe children and young people should have that right extended up to the age of 25 so that more children can grow up with the support of a friend,” said NYAS policy and communications director Ben Twomey.

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