Since 2001, The Appropriate Adult Service (TAAS) has led the way in delivering compassionate, trusted, and professional Appropriate Adult support across the UK.
Over more than two decades, we have grown from a single vision into the UK's largest provider of Appropriate Adult services. We now operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, because vulnerability doesn't observe office hours, and justice cannot wait for convenience.
Our mission
Ensuring every vulnerable person facing the criminal justice system can be heard, understood, and treated with dignity.
Our mission is to break down barriers, remove confusion, and protect rights, so that no one faces these moments alone. We empower vulnerable individuals to take part in the justice process, adapt our methods to meet changing needs, and set the benchmark for professional excellence in Appropriate Adult services across the UK.
Our founder
Alex Hawkins, Founder & CEO
"When I established The Appropriate Adult Service in 2001, I was driven by a simple yet profound belief: that every vulnerable person who enters the criminal justice system deserves dignity, understanding, and unwavering support during their most challenging moments.
Having witnessed the complexities and vulnerabilities that individuals face when encountering police procedures, and the delays experienced when trying to access support, I recognised a critical gap in our justice system. Too often, children and vulnerable adults were navigating these intimidating processes without adequate support or understanding of their rights, and forced to wait hours for help. This wasn't just a systemic failing – it was a moral imperative that demanded action.
As we look to the future, I am confident that TAAS will continue to set the standard for Appropriate Adult services, not just in the UK, but as a model for justice systems everywhere. Because when we protect the vulnerable, we strengthen justice for all."
Our founding principles
Every day, we have the privilege of making a real difference in people's lives. This responsibility drives us to continuous improvement, unwavering professionalism, and absolute commitment to our founding principles.
Our community
We are proud to work alongside police forces, legal professionals, and social services who share our commitment to justice and fairness, building a criminal justice system that truly serves everyone. The trust placed in us by the communities we serve is both humbling and motivating. We know that when people call on us, it’s often during a crisis, and we pledge to honour that trust through excellence, reliability, and genuine care. These principles also guide how we give back, such as our ongoing support for BEAM, a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness access stable housing and work, and helping people rebuild their lives and futures.
Protecting People, Safeguarding Rights, Empowering Voices.
Our insights
