Appropriate Adults

Under the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act (1984), young people (10-17yrs) and adults (17yrs+) who are deemed vulnerable (for example those who may have mental health issues and/or learning difficulties) cannot be interviewed by police officers (except in exceptional circumstances) about their suspected involvement in a criminal offence in the absence of an Appropriate Adult.

SOVA is contracted by Sheffield Youth Offending Service to provide an Appropriate Adult service.  We recruit, train and deploy a pool of volunteers to act as Appropriate Adults when there are no other adults known to the detainee who are willing or able to attend.  The most common demand on the service is to attend custody suites to support detainees who are to be interviewed by Police Officers.

Appropriate Adults must be able to commit a minimum of six hours per week in one block of time to volunteering for a period of at least twelve months following training.  

Volunteers must be aged at least 18yrs and be resident in Sheffield for a full twelve months following training.  No formal qualifications are required to become an Appropriate Adult as full training is given. ‘Out of pocket’ expenses will be met as agreed by project staff.

If you are interested in volunteering to become an Appropriate Adult with SOVA please email syj@sova.org.uk