By the time a child is taken into care, they may already have experienced loss, neglect, abuse, or trauma which is hard to contemplate.
By the time a child is taken into care, they may already have experienced loss, neglect, abuse, or trauma which is hard to contemplate. It’s difficult to imagine a more disadvantaged start in life. To befriend such a child, to support and encourage them and be a reliable positive presence in their life is a significant commitment, but could also be tremendously rewarding. This is the role of an independent visitor or mentor.
The 1989 Children’s Act created the role of such visitors, volunteers to be appointed by the local authority to “visit, befriend and advise” a child, remaining a consistent presence in their life as they travel through the care system. Social workers may change, but ideally a mentor remains a constant friend throughout, visiting the child on a regular basis.
Sadly, this role, potentially so valuable to a child in care, seems never to have been given the publicity or esteem it deserves, and the consequence is that many children who would like a mentor simply don’t get one.
Research by Barnardo’s and the Tudor Trust has revealed that only a tiny percentage of children in care have a mentor, but a thousand children are on a waiting list for one. It’s heartbreaking to think of children, who may already have experienced significant unhappiness, being on a waiting list for a friend. In some areas, there is no waiting list simply because the scheme hasn’t even been established.
Barnardo’s is calling upon local authorities to ensure that every child in care knows they have a right to an independent visitor or mentor, and to sign up to a new set of quality standards. As Javed Khan, chief executive of Barnardo’s says, “Every single child needs an adult they can trust, who will be there for them and stay by their side no matter what life throws their way.” Young people who have been fortunate enough to have a mentor are quite clear what it has meant to them, saying, “She made me forget about being in care and brought me up on my down days.” “She always comes when she says she will. She never lets me down.” “I can truly talk.” “Having an independent visitor has been the only stable thing in my life recently.”
Roy Perry, chairman of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, says “There is an urgent need for more volunteers to take on this hugely rewarding role,” and urges anyone interested to contact their local council. Alternativley you can contact Barnardos via their website
————
© Bernadette Meaden has written about political, religious and social issues for some years, and is strongly influenced by Christian Socialism, liberation theology and the Catholic Worker movement. She is an Ekklesia associate and regular contributor. You can follow her on Twitter: @BernaMeaden