1718-0172 An Appropriate Adult Service for Vulnerable Adults, Children and Young People

The Appropriate Adult service is provided to those detained at police stations in the London Boroughs of Islington, and Camden as laid down in the Codes of practice (S.60 (1) (a) and S66) and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE). The service assists and supports people with communication whilst in police custody to ensure they are afforded their entitlements, provisions and representation as necessary, whilst remaining neutral to any investigation.

The service is to be provided for young people aged 10 to 16 inclusive, where a parent/carer or guardian is unable or unwilling to attend, and those aged 17 and over with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities, where a relative or carer is unavailable. An Appropriate Adult plays an important part in providing continuity of support to a child or young person in police detention, and contributes to the safe and humane administration of justice. The service shall be available seven days a week, from 8am to 12am (midnight), 365 days a year.