Support for parents and carers
Parents and carers play an important role in helping children and young people make positive changes.
We can help you understand the youth justice process and connect you with support and resources for your family.
Appropriate adults
Children and young people aged 17 and under must have an appropriate adult present when they are interviewed by the police.
This is usually a parent or carer.
In some situations, a parent or carer may not be able to take on this role. For example, if they are involved in the incident, are a witness or are unavailable. In these circumstances, the Youth Justice Service can arrange for a trained volunteer appropriate adult.
What an appropriate adult does
An appropriate adult is there to support and safeguard the child or young person during their time in police custody. They will:
- check the child's welfare
- provide support and advice
- help the child communicate with the police
- make sure interviews are conducted fairly
- review custody records to ensure the child has been treated appropriately
Rights of a child in police custody
An appropriate adult helps make sure a child or young person has access to:
- free legal advice from a solicitor
- adequate rest during detention
- contact with a responsible adult
- an interpreter or translator, if needed
- medical support, if needed
- liaison and diversion services, if appropriate
Find out more about the role of an appropriate adult on the National Appropriate Adult Network website.
Support during your child's involvement with the Youth Justice Service
If your child is working with the Youth Justice Service, we will involve you wherever possible and help you understand the support available. We recognise that this can be a difficult time for families and can provide advice, guidance and signposting to additional services.