Appropriate Adult Service for Children & Young People & Vulnerable Adults

The provision of Appropriate Adults service aims to ensure safeguards are in place for children under 18 years old and also for people aged over the age of 17 years with mental ill health, learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders who are arrested and taken into custody.

Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Codes of Practice, Police Custody Sergeants must secure an Appropriate Adult (AA) to safeguard the rights and welfare of children/ young people and vulnerable adults detained or questioned by the police.

The Appropriate Adult will attend the police custody suite and check that the child/young person or vulnerable adult's welfare has been safeguarded whilst in the cells and will ensure that the interview is conducted appropriately according to PACE guidelines.

The role of the Appropriate Adult (AA) is to make sure that the individual's rights are respected and that they understand the procedures.