Community Visitors ensure children in care are safe, heard, and supported.
When you’re a foster or kinship carer, you play a vital role in providing a safe and loving home for children who need it most. But you’re not alone in this journey. The Office of the Public Guardian is here to help, and one of the ways we do this is through our community visitors.
Who are community visitors?
Community visitors are independent advocates who visit children and young people in care to make sure they are safe, well, and supported. They are here to listen to children, hear their concerns, and ensure their voices are heard. Community visitors are trained to understand the unique challenges faced by children in care and work to ensure their rights are upheld.
What do community visitors do?
When a community visitor meets with a child or young person, they:
- Talk to them about how they are feeling and what is happening in their life.
- Check that they are safe, happy, and well cared for.
- Help them raise any concerns they might have with their carers, caseworkers, or other adults in their life.
- Advocate for their rights and make sure their views are taken seriously.
Community visitors also check the child’s living arrangements to ensure they are safe and suitable. If they notice any issues, they will work with the child, carers, and relevant agencies to address them.
How do community visitors support carers?
Community visitors are not there to judge carers. Their focus is the child but their work can indirectly support you by helping identify issues early, raise concerns with the right services and support better outcomes for the child in your care.
How to contact a community visitor
If you would like to know more about community visitors or arrange a visit for a child in your care, you can contact us. We are here to support you and the children you care for.
For more information, visit community visitors.