Appropriate Adult

Appropriate adult is a defined term in the United Kingdom legal system for a parent or guardian or social worker who must be present if a young person or vulnerable adult is to be searched or questioned in police custody. If these are unavailable a volunteer from the local community may fill the role instead.

The role is to accompany young people aged under 17, when they are detained in custody to explain the meaning of legal terms, offer counsel or comfort, give advice, contact relatives, ensure the suspect is aware of his rights, and that the suspect is receiving the care he or she is entitled to (clean cells with no adult suspects inside, for instance). The concept was introduced as part of the policing reforms in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

When an unaccompanied young person is arrested the custody suite will contact a local Youth Offending Team who has a duty to arrange for an appropriate adult to be available. The request for an appropriate adult is often the first way in which Youth Offending Teams learn of a young person's offences or re-offences.

Appropriate adults are also often used when vulnerable adults are detained in custody. Vulnerable adults are classed as people who suffer from mental illness, learning difficulties or literacy problems. In these cases it is the appropriate adult's role to ensure that the detainee understands the custody process, legal advice and any questions put to them by the police. These appropriate adults usually have specialised mental health training or practical experience of dealing with vulnerable adults.

See also: Timeline of children's rights in the United Kingdom