When a child goes into care they may have experienced loss, neglect, abuse or trauma. To befriend such a child, support and encourage them as a reliable positive presence in their life is a significant commitment, but tremendously rewarding. This is the role of an independent visitor or mentor. The 1989 Children’s Act created the role of volunteers to be appointed by the local authority to ‘visit, befriend and advise’ a child and to be a consistent presence in their travels through the care system. Social workers may change, but ideally a mentor remains a constant friend, visiting the child on a regular basis. Sadly, this role hasn’t been given the publicity or esteem it deserves, and consequently many children who would like a mentor simply don’t get one. 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.