Appropriate adults and advocates 

An "appropriate adult" is a designated person who supports and safeguards the rights and welfare of vulnerable individuals, such as children or adults with mental health conditions, during police interviews or other legal proceedings.They act as a communication bridge, ensuring the individual understands their rights and the process, and that their voice is heard.

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Whether you need us for police custody processing, voluntary interviews, age assessments, Home office interviews, court proceedings or any procedures where minors will need an appropriate adults, we are here to provide those services. Our staff are qualified and experienced in supporting young people through what can be uncomfortable and challenging situations. They are assured to have someone making sure that the process is fair and lawful.

• During police detention:

  When someone is arrested and brought into custody, an appropriate adult should be present during booking, interviews, and any other procedures like providing fingerprints or DNA samples. 

• During voluntary interviews:

  If a child or vulnerable adult voluntarily attends a police station for questioning, an appropriate adult should be present. 

• Specific procedures:

  Procedures like strip searches, intimate body searches, fingerprinting, and taking DNA samples require an appropriate adult. 

• When a person appears vulnerable:

  The need for an appropriate adult is not limited to diagnosed conditions. It's assessed if the person seems to lack the mental capacity to understand the situati