What support is given to children and young people who are arrested?

[fdunnington]

Have split into two documents:

1. What happens when a child or young person is arrested
2. Youth offending teams

Will link to 'Children in Custody' and 'I've been arrested, what are my rights'

[jarvisryan]

LEGAL REVIEW

SECTION 1: What happens when a child or young person is arrested?

•   Correctly explains the legal framework regarding the age of criminal responsibility and the role of the appropriate adult.
•   The information is clear and useful for both parents and carers as well as professionals.
•   Please try to be consistent in using terms like “guardian or carer” instead of just “guardian.”

Suggested Edits:

•   “If a parent cannot act as the appropriate adult, another suitably trained individual will be assigned to the role.”

SECTION 2: What rights do children and young people who are arrested have?

•   Correct and thorough. It appropriately states that children have the same legal rights as adults, which is important to emphasise.
•   The content is helpful and provides actionable advice on legal representation and support services, such as the Youth Offending Team.

SECTION 3: What is an ‘Appropriate Adult’?

•   The explanation of an appropriate adult’s role and eligibility is detailed and accurate. It’s particularly important to clarify who can and cannot act in this role, which has been done effectively.
•   The step-by-step breakdown of the appropriate adult’s responsibilities and who can fulfil the role is clear and helpful.
•   The explanation is user-friendly, though breaking up longer sentences and bullet points for ease of reading might improve clarity.
•   Please try to be consistent in using terms like “child or young person” throughout the section.

Suggested Edits:

•   In the sentence, “passing any safeguarding concerns to the custody sergeant and YOT”, consider explaining what safeguarding concerns might entail for parents or carers who might not be familiar with the term.