All children and vulnerable people get an appropriate adult when required under the PACE Act 1984 and its Codes.

Confidence in appropriate adults is increased, founded on rigorous evidence.

Rights, entitlements and safeguards for children and vulnerable people are maintained and strengthened.

Vulnerability

Hundreds of thousands of people in mental distress, autistic people, people with learning disabilities, and other characteristics, are not getting the support that they are legally entitled to when they are detained or otherwise questioned by police.

Children

NAAN is engaged with a range of policy issues affecting children and young people who experience police custody or voluntary interviews.

Voluntary interviews

Voluntary interviews offer clear benefits for children and vulnerable adults, most notably the avoidance of custody. But there are also some areas of increased risk. How can the benefits be captured and the risks reduced?

Strip and intimate searches

The Child Q case raised public awareness of the ethnic disparities and trauma associated with police strip searches. Our work examines the complex system of police powers, and limited safeguards, in relation to police searches of people. We set out possible changes, including a new safeguarding-focused approach. 

Accountability

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who watches the watchers? What benefits might greater accountabilty for the appropriate adult sector bring, and how could it work?

Legal advice

High quality legal representation is critical to ensuring a fair process and effective participation. Both funding streams and ways of working must act in the best interests of children and vulnerable people. We want to make sure legal advisors are paid appropriately for the work they do, that AAs can support people in legal consultations, and that in-person legal advice is not replaced with remote support. 

Impact of Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on everyone. This certainly includes children and vulnerable adult suspects, and the work of appropriate adults. The impact is still being felt by AA schemes who face challenges in recruitment and retention as people - especially volunteers - make changes in their lives.