SPS 2813 INDEPENDENT VISITOR AND ADVOCACY SERVICES

Description

We seek to commission Independent Visitors and Advocacy, both for children and young people (“Children”) in the care of the Council; and of Advocacy for Children with an open Child Protection (“CP”) plan. This service will meet the statutory requirements placed on the Council in relation to the provision of: Independent advocacy for Children in our Care and a commitment to deliver an Independent Visiting service. Independent Visiting services match a volunteer with a Child in the care of the local authority, whose placement may be some distance from their family home and who may have limited contact with family members. Children regularly meet their volunteer for an activity of their choosing, either virtually or in-person. Matches generally last for a minimum of two years, though the exact time in this contract may vary. Lot 1: Service 1: Independent Visitors (Kent and Medway) Adult volunteers who provide a listening ear and undertake activities of interest primarily with Children in our care and where possible Care Leavers (up to 25-years-old) who have little or no contact with their birth parents. Service 2: Independent Visitor (London and the rest of the UK) Adult volunteers who provide a listening ear and undertake activities of interest primarily with Children in our care and where possible Care Leavers (up to 25-years-old) who have little or no contact with their birth parents. Service 3: Advocacy for Children in the Care of the Council and/ or on a Child Protection Plan Provide dedicated, independent support from an advocate for Children who are in the care of the Council, leaving care, and children who are the subject of a child protection conference.