9.5.2 Organizing Visiting Teaching

The structure of visiting teaching in the ward is determined by the bishop and Relief Society presidency after prayerful consideration of local needs and circumstances. Where possible, the presidency assigns sisters into companionships of two. Because visiting teaching focuses on individual sisters, Relief Society leaders do not organize women in groups for the purpose of visiting teaching.
In organizing visiting teaching, members of the Relief Society presidency prayerfully discuss the needs of individuals and families. They give special priority to ensuring that the following sisters are cared for: sisters coming into Relief Society from Young Women, single sisters, new ward members, recent converts, newly married sisters, less-active members, and others with special needs. They also consider factors such as distance, travel, and safety.
Based on these discussions, they assign visiting teachers to each sister in the ward. They obtain the bishop’s approval for each assignment.