Volunteers in Child Protection - mentoring and befriending

CSV’s Volunteers in Child Protection (ViCP) scheme matches volunteers with families with children on child protection plans.

The aim of the project is to achieve positive outcomes for children and to keep families together.

Since the project began, over 1000 children have been supported by our volunteers. Over the past two years approximately one third of the children who were subject to a child protection plan when they were referred to the project were removed from the plan during the volunteer's involvement.

Because volunteers keep in touch and continue to support families once Social Services have withdrawn, the chances of children going back on the register are greatly reduced. 

Interested in volunteering?

Currently we have ViCP projects in Lewisham, Southend-on-Sea and Coventry with more on the way.

We are looking for volunteers who can understand the difficulties faced by families and provide friendship, advice and support. You will only be involved with families who have been allocated a social worker and have agreed to the additional help. You will visit the family you are matched with in their own home, supporting them by listening, advising and giving practical help and frequent contact.

We ask all volunteers to commit for an agreed period of time, usually for at least six months from the date of the introductory meeting with the family. You'll need to live locally and be able to make regular visits. This is a demanding role but we will be here to train and support you every step of the way.

Contact Jennie Rayner, Administrator, CSV ViCP project on 020 7643 1442 or email jrayner@csv.org.uk.

Information for professionals

ViCP was developed as a response to the recommendations of Lord Laming, following the death of Victoria Climbie and the public enquiry that followed. The project is run in partnership with Children's Social Services. The ViCP Project Manager is responsible for recruiting, training and supporting the volunteers who are then carefully matched to families, identified by social workers, with children known to be at risk.

Research carried out by Anglia Ruskin University in 2011 found evidence of marked improvement in family functioning and a significant reduction in safeguarding concern following intervention from the ViCP project. The study concluded that the project represents good value for money and is seen as effective by service users, volunteers and stakeholders.

Read more about the research here. For enquiries about the project contact Jill Williams, UK Development Director, CSV ViCP project on 020 7643 1396 or email jwilliams@csv.org.uk.

Watch!

Don't just take our word for how effective the ViCP has been. Watch our movie below and hear from the families and volunteers that have changed their lives by taking part.

 Watch on YouTube

ViCP recognised for excellence

CSV's Volunteers in Child Protection project has gained official recognition from The Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services (C4EO) under the Safeguarding theme.

C4EO gathers examples of best practice from a wide range of sources to help those working in children's services improve the life chances of all children and young people, in particular those who are most vulnerable. In order to be validated, the project demonstrated to a panel of experts that its work leads to significantly improved outcomes for children, young people and their families.

Read more about C4EO validation.

2010 - ViCP is the Charity Awards Overal Winner!

In 2010, CSV's Volunteers in Child Protection programme won one of the most prestigious awards in the charity sector, demonstrably highlighting the practical and effective role volunteers can play in delivering public services.

CSV was presented with the Overall Award for Excellence by Nick Hurd MP, the Civil Society Minister at the Charity Awards annual gala dinner in June.

Click here to read more about the Overall Winner 2010 Award