What's the Difference Between an Appropriate Adult and a Solicitor?
- tabatha6853
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 30
When someone is detained or interviewed by the police, two different forms of support may be involved: an Appropriate Adult and a Solicitor. Their roles are often confused, but they are very different - and both play a vital part in ensuring fairness within the criminal justice system.
Two protectors, two roles
Think of it this way: if the criminal justice system were a complex machine, solicitors and Appropriate Adults would be two different types of safety mechanisms – both essential, but protecting against different risks.
An Appropriate Adult is a facilitator, communicator and supporter. They're there specifically for children and vulnerable adults, making sure these individuals understand what's happening and are treated with dignity throughout police procedures.
A solicitor is your legal shield. They're qualified legal professionals focused on protecting your rights under the law and advising you on the best course of action for your case.
Let's dive into how each of these roles might support a young person or vulnerable adult in police custody.
The Appropriate Adult: Your welfare champion
An Appropriate Adult's role is defined by PACE (the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984), and their focus is crystal clear: welfare, understanding, and fair treatment.
Here's what an AA actually does:
Acts as a communication bridge – ensuring the person truly understands what's happening, not just nodding along
Safeguards dignity and welfare – watching for signs of distress, confusion, or unfair treatment
Speaks up when needed – intervening if procedures aren't being followed correctly
Provides reassurance – being a calm, supportive presence in what can be a frightening situation
Crucially, Appropriate Adults cannot and do not give legal advice. That's not their job, and they're not qualified to do so.
The Solicitor: Your legal expert
Solicitors bring a completely different skill set to the table. They're qualified legal professionals whose role in police custody centres on legal rights and defence strategy.
A solicitor will:
Provide expert legal advice about your rights and options
Guide you on crucial decisions like whether to answer police questions
Protect against legal pitfalls such as self-incrimination or unfair questioning
Ensure police follow the law when gathering evidence
Focus on your defence and legal position
The key differences to know
Appropriate Adult | Solicitor |
Supports children and vulnerable adults only | Supports anyone detained by police |
Focuses on welfare and understanding | Focuses on legal rights and defence |
Ensures fair treatment and dignity | Provides legal advice and representation |
Cannot give legal advice | Acts in the client's best legal interests |
Independent and impartial | Expert in legal guidance |
Balancing legal protection and human support
For children and vulnerable adults, having both an Appropriate Adult and solicitor present creates a complete safety net:
The solicitor handles all legal matters – rights, advice, and strategy
The Appropriate Adult ensures welfare, understanding, and dignity
This dual support system means no vulnerable person faces the justice system without comprehensive protection.
What this looks like in practice
Picture a 16-year-old sitting in a police station, overwhelmed and confused. The solicitor steps in to handle the legal side: explaining whether the teenager should answer questions, outlining potential consequences, and protecting their legal position. Meanwhile, the Appropriate Adult focuses on the human side: making sure the young person actually understands what the solicitor is explaining, checking they're coping emotionally, and ensuring the interview process isn't overwhelming them.
If legal jargon gets confusing, the AA might ask for clearer explanations. If the teenager seems distressed, they can request a break. If procedures aren't being followed properly, they'll speak up.
Think of it as having two different types of insurance for your car - one for theft, one for accidents. You need both because they protect against different risks. In the justice system:
Solicitors protect against legal risks and ensure your rights are upheld
Appropriate Adults protect against the human risks of feeling lost, confused, or overwhelmed
Making justice accessible
Both Appropriate Adults and solicitors work towards the same goal: ensuring fair treatment within the justice system. They just approach it from different angles – one legal, one human.
For vulnerable individuals, this dual support can transform a terrifying experience into one where they feel protected, understood, and respected throughout the process; and the beauty of this system is that it recognises a simple truth: legal rights mean nothing if you don't understand them, and understanding means nothing without proper legal protection.
At The Appropriate Adult Service (TAAS), we provide professional, independent Appropriate Adults who work alongside solicitors to ensure vulnerable people get the comprehensive support they deserve during police procedures.
Because everyone – regardless of age or vulnerability – deserves to face the justice system with both legal protection and human dignity intact.
Want to learn more about becoming an Appropriate Adult or how TAAS can support your organisation? Get in touch with our team today.