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Information for people who need an appropriate adult

If you are under 18 or a ‘vulnerable person’ and suspected of a criminal offence, the police must find an appropriate adult to come to the station to help you and be present during questioning and searching.

Here are some examples of who the appropriate adult might be:

  • your parent, guardian or carer
  • another family member or friend aged 18 or over
  • your social worker
  • someone trained to be an appropriate adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an appropriate adult do?

You can find out about what appropriate adults do by clicking on these links.  

Being an appropriate adult (video and written guides)

About appropriate adults (video and common questions)

Easy read guide to appropriate adults (NAAN & Keyring). 

If your appropriate adult is a friend or family member, show them this information so they know how they can help you.

What should I expect from a trained appropriate adult?

If your appropriate adult is a trained person from an organised scheme, they should follow section 6 of the national standards.   

How can I make sure the police understand my needs?

You may feel that you do not want to tell the police about your needs.

However, if the police do not know about any vulnerabilities, they may not call for an appropriate adult.

If you want to make sure the police know you have needs, you may be interested in having a vulnerabilty identification card

What are my rights?

Use these links to find out more about your rights if you are arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview.

For everyone

Being arrested: your rights (Gov.uk) 

Voluntary interview notice of rights and entitlements (Gov.uk) 

Police custody notice of rights and entitlements  (Gov.uk)

For children and young people aged under 18

So you've been arrested: A two-page leaflet on rights & entitlements for young people (Gov.uk)

Being interviewed by police? What is going to happen next? (YJLC)

Coronavirus and the police: a guide for under 18s (YJB)

For people who prefer simpler information 

Easy read notice of rights and entitlements: A 44 page booklet (Gov.uk / Hertfordshire Police)

Further resources

Watch the videos below to find out more about what to expect in police custody. They were not made by NAAN. 

At the Police Station

By the independent award-winning charity Just for Kids Law

What happens next? Explaining the youth custody process

By Thames Valley Police