Appropriate adult information

Our Appropriate Adult scheme ensures that when a child or vulnerable adult is arrested or attending Court, that there is someone there:

• to act as an Appropriate Adult in support of either a child (between 10-17 years) or vulnerable adult within Code C of the Police,   Powers and Procedures Act
• to ensure that the detained person understands what is happening to them and why

The Department of Health and Social Care is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and rights of children and vulnerable adults. We expect all our volunteers to always have this at the centre of their role.

Appropriate Adults aim to ensure the individual is treated fairly and are aware of their rights and entitlements throughout their time in police custody or whilst at court, with safeguarding and good communication in mind at all times. They are required to be objective, carry out their duties with impartiality and confidentiality.

We offer training to all volunteers accepted as Appropriate Adults, to ensure that they have the skills they need to support children and vulnerable adults. All our volunteers are required to be over 18 and to hold a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We are not currently recruiting for Appropriate Adults.

Contact us

For general information about the service please email AAdultsinfo@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 695773.