FAQs
1. Difference between an APPROPRIATE ADULT and an Advocate?
An advocate is present to speak on behalf of someone and communicate exactly what a person wants and assist them in achieving their aims. An appropriate adult is an independent person who is present during an interview to facilitate communication between all parties.
2. When should an APPROPRIATE ADULT be used?
An appropriate adult should be used during any police interview with a person who has a mental disorder, whether they are the victim, witness, accused or suspect.
3. What is considered a mental disorder?
The term mental disorder includes:
- Mental health problems
- Learning disability
- Acquired brain injury
- Dementia
4. What can an APPROPRIATE ADULT do/can't do?
The role of an appropriate adult is to:
• Help ensure that the interviewee understands and continues to understand why they are being interviewed, as far as is possible
• Help ensure that the interviewee understands the questions being put to him or her and the implications of their answers or lack of them.
• Facilitate communication where possible between the interviewee and the police officer conducting the interview.
• In the case of a suspect or accused, ensure, as far as it possible, that the mentally disordered person is not disadvantaged by their disorder, that they fully understands their rights as explained to them by the police and that they continue to understand them throughout the interview.
• Prompt the suspension of an interview in a manner agreed in advance with the interviewing officer to discuss with the police any concerns that the interview should be terminated.
An appropriate adult cannot:
• Advise the person in any way
• Give answers for or on behalf of a person being interviewed
• Sign post to other services
• Advocate
5. Confidentiality - lawyer/client relationship?
Whilst an appropriate adult and a person being interviewed are not covered by the same confidentiality rights of an lawyer / client relationship it is not felt that this is necessary as an appropriate adult should never be left alone in the presence of the interviewee.
6. What training/experience does and APPROPRIATE ADULT need to have?
It is considered good practice for all appropriate adults to have experience of working in the field of either:
- Mental health
- Learning disabilities
- Acquired brain injury
- Dementia
In addition to this appropriate adults should receive training that, as a minimum, covers: police procedures, interview techniques, court procedures, medical examinations and communication techniques.
7. Who requests an APPROPRIATE ADULT? - How is this managed?
It is the responsibility of the police to request and appropriate adult. How this is managed will differ in each service area.