Appropriate Adults
Our services
With 24 years of experience and a proven track record as the UK’s largest provider of Appropriate Adult services, we deliver a high-quality, fully compliant, and resilient service that safeguards vulnerable children, young people, and adults. Managing over 60,000 referrals annually, we provide rapid, 24/7, 365-day coverage, ensuring no vulnerable person is ever left without support. Our nationwide infrastructure, advanced resourcing systems, and network of trusted, trained Appropriate Adults enable us to meet demand quickly and consistently, whether in high-volume urban centres or remote locations.
Although children (aged 10–17) are legally entitled to the support of an Appropriate Adult during interviews and legal processes, the same statutory protection does not apply to vulnerable adults. Without a reliable, on-demand service, many face these processes alone, leaving them at greater risk of unfair treatment and miscarriages of justice.
Our service protects the rights, welfare, and wellbeing of vulnerable people at their most critical moments. We ensure that every child or vulnerable adult in custody has timely access to trained, independent support that safeguards their rights, enables fair justice processes, and provides reassurance and advocacy at a time of crisis.
Our approach
Our service provides fast, reliable support to protect the rights and welfare of vulnerable people in contact with the police.
Appropriate Adults attend a range of settings, most often custody suites and police stations, but occasionally homes, care placements, schools, hospitals, and community venues. They make sure every individual understands their rights and the process, offer reassurance and support, and act as an independent presence to ensure fair treatment. Safeguarding concerns are identified and shared with the relevant agencies for follow-up.
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We also work alongside the RSPCA, providing Appropriate Adults to support vulnerable individuals interviewed under caution during their investigations, ensuring they receive the same protections and understanding as they would in police custody. In partnership with Jobcentre Plus, we offer similar support during benefit-related interviews under caution, helping individuals navigate the process, communicate clearly, and feel supported throughout.
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​We are completely independent, but our work also helps police officers and other professionals carry out their duties fairly and effectively, knowing that safeguards are in place. Every attendance strengthens safeguarding networks by identifying risks and linking people with the right services for further help.
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All attendances are recorded, and secure reporting keeps commissioners and partner agencies fully informed. The service is flexible and scalable, designed to meet both day-to-day demand and major incidents, so that no vulnerable child or adult is ever left without the support they are entitled to.
Need other services?
Safeguarding and privacy are at the heart of everything we do.
Our team is trained to identify and respond to any risks to a child or vulnerable adult’s wellbeing, ensuring that their safety is always the top priority. All interactions are conducted with the utmost respect, sensitivity, and confidentiality, and personal information is handled securely in line with legal and safeguarding requirements. By maintaining high standards of care and discretion, we create a safe environment where vulnerable people can be supported, heard, and protected.
Join our team
If you are interested in making a real difference in what you do, you can apply to become a trained Appropriate Adult. In this role, you will provide essential support to vulnerable children and adults during police processes, helping to safeguard their rights, wellbeing, and voice at critical moments.
Our insights
