Appropriate adult
Encyclopedia
Appropriate adult is a defined term in the United Kingdom legal system
for a parent or guardian or social worker who must be present if a young person or vulnerable adult is to be searched or questioned in police custody. If these are unavailable a volunteer from the local community may fill the role instead.
The role is to accompany young people aged below 17
, when they are detained in custody to explain the meaning of legal terms, offer counsel or comfort, give advice, contact relatives, ensure the offender is aware of his rights, and that the offender is receiving the care he or she is entitled to (clean cells with no adult offenders inside, for instance). The concept was introduced as part of the policing reforms in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
.
When an unaccompanied young person is arrested the custody suite will contact a local Youth Offending Team
who has a duty to arrange for an appropriate adult to be available. The request for an appropriate adult is often the first way in which Youth Offending Team's learn of a young persons offences or re-offences.
Appropriate adults are also often used when vulnerable adults are detained in custody. Vulnerable adults are classed as people who suffer from mental illness, learning difficulties or literacy problems. In these cases it is the appropriate adult's role to ensure that the detainee understands the custody process, legal advice and any questions put to them by the police. These appropriate adults usually have specialised mental health training or practical experience of dealing with vulnerable adults.
Law of the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has three legal systems. English law, which applies in England and Wales, and Northern Ireland law, which applies in Northern Ireland, are based on common-law principles. Scots law, which applies in Scotland, is a pluralistic system based on civil-law principles, with common law...
for a parent or guardian or social worker who must be present if a young person or vulnerable adult is to be searched or questioned in police custody. If these are unavailable a volunteer from the local community may fill the role instead.
The role is to accompany young people aged below 17
Minor (law)
In law, a minor is a person under a certain age — the age of majority — which legally demarcates childhood from adulthood; the age depends upon jurisdiction and application, but is typically 18...
, when they are detained in custody to explain the meaning of legal terms, offer counsel or comfort, give advice, contact relatives, ensure the offender is aware of his rights, and that the offender is receiving the care he or she is entitled to (clean cells with no adult offenders inside, for instance). The concept was introduced as part of the policing reforms in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 is an Act of Parliament which instituted a legislative framework for the powers of police officers in England and Wales to combat crime, as well as providing codes of practice for the exercise of those powers. Part VI of PACE required the Home Secretary...
.
When an unaccompanied young person is arrested the custody suite will contact a local Youth Offending Team
Youth Offending Team
In England and Wales a Youth Offending Team is a multi-agency team that is coordinated by a local authority, which is overseen by the Youth Justice Board It deals with young offenders, sets up community services and reparation plans, and attempts to prevent youth recidivism and incarceration...
who has a duty to arrange for an appropriate adult to be available. The request for an appropriate adult is often the first way in which Youth Offending Team's learn of a young persons offences or re-offences.
Appropriate adults are also often used when vulnerable adults are detained in custody. Vulnerable adults are classed as people who suffer from mental illness, learning difficulties or literacy problems. In these cases it is the appropriate adult's role to ensure that the detainee understands the custody process, legal advice and any questions put to them by the police. These appropriate adults usually have specialised mental health training or practical experience of dealing with vulnerable adults.