Appropriate Adult Service

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is looking to procure an Appropriate Adult Service. The provision of an Appropriate Adult Service is a key element of the overarching strategy of the Blackburn with Darwen Youth Justice Service, which aims to minimise Children and Young People’s contact with police custody and the secure custodial estate, while ensuring their rights and welfare are appropriately safeguarded throughout the criminal justice process. When this does occur, it is essential that the needs, welfare, and rights of Children and Young People are paramount in the considerations of those professionals responsible for their care. The Service will also be central to reducing the number of first time entrants to the Criminal Justice System by ensuring that Children and Young People get suitable and appropriate legal advice whilst in police custody. The aims of the Service will be to:

• Provide an AA service that meets National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN) National Standards by ensuring that staff are appropriately trained, supported and supervised on a regular basis.
• Provide a service to the Blackburn with Darwen custody suite where parent(s)/carer(s) are unable to attend and to Blackburn with Darwen Looked After Children placed out of area, by arrangement where practical.
• Promote the work of the service and guidance for parents and carers acting as AA.
• Work in partnership with the YJS, police and Liaison and Diversion service to ensure that information, resources and developments are shared appropriately.
• Identify young people who are ‘Looked After’ and ensure that local protocols and procedure are followed in relation to Children in Our Care (CIOC) who are arrested.

...