An appropriate adult is responsible for protecting or ‘safeguarding’ the rights and welfare of a child or “vulnerable” adult, who is either detained by police or is interviewed under caution voluntarily.
Although there is no legal duty on any agency to provide Appropriate Adult provision for vulnerable adults, the PCC has agreed to continue to provide funding for this service to:
- Increase public confidence in the justice system;
- Ensure those identified as vulnerable and detained by police or interviewed under caution are given and understand their rights and entitlements.
During the previous 4 years, Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind has delivered and developed a successful volunteer-led 24/7 Appropriate Adult service across the Cleveland area which has seen year on year increases.
Between 1 April 2019 and 31 December 2019, 638 individuals had been supported by the Appropriate Adult Service compared to 181 individuals during the first 12 months of delivery
Due to this, discussions are ongoing with Local Authority colleagues in terms of effectively managing this demand moving forward.
The purpose of this decision is to continue funding for 12 months (1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021.) This supports the PCC’s objective of Securing the Future of our Communities by ensuring public confidence in the justice system.
Decision 2020-199038–Funding for Appropriate Adult Service (application, 98kB)