Help for vulnerable people in contact with the police
‘Appropriate adult’idea welcomed by charity chiefs
Moves to assist vulnerable people involved in police probes have been welcomed by charity chiefs.
A Scottish Government plan for local authorities to have an ‘Appropriate Adult’ on hand during investigations came into force last week.
The legal obligation on councils to provide support for those with conditions such as autism, has been backed by bosses at an Alloabased charity.
Charlene Tait, CEO of Scottish Autism, said: “Scottish Autism welcomes this legislation. Autistic people face significant challenges when engaging with a range of services. It is particularly important that autistic people involved, in any capacity, with the police have access to support.”
A Stirling Council spokesman confirmed that they have already been working with police and NHS partners to provide appropriate adult support to vulnerable people.
He added: “This new requirement provides a statuary duty and clarity to the co-ordination and management of the process, which will be delivered without detriment to existing services.”
Services for vulnerable people, whether witnesses, victims or suspects, will be standardised across Scotland as part of a plan.
A £1m fund has been ring-fenced for councils to support the scheme and quality of provision will be rubber-stamped by the Care Inspectorate.
The move places a statutory obligation on Police Scotland to identify vulnerable people when they are brought into custody.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said:“We are the first in the UK to implement a statutory Appropriate Adult service, part of ensuring Scotland’s justice system remains up-to-date, fair and respectful of the rights and diverse needs of all who pass through it.”
The legislation, which came into force on January 10, results from provisions under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2016.
It covers those with a wide range of conditions, including dementia, acquired brain injury and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.