Police Station: Your Child's Rights
Under PACE Code C, an Appropriate Adult must be present whenever a child is interviewed by the police. Their role is to safeguard the child's rights and ensure the child is not subjected to oppressive or inappropriate questioning. We ensure this right is respected from the first contact with the police.
Voluntary Interviews and Arrest
Where possible, we seek to arrange for children to be interviewed on a voluntary basis. This avoids the trauma of arrest and a custody record. Arranging a voluntary interview in advance allows us to obtain disclosure from the police and to prepare a strategy with the young person and their family before the interview takes place.
Out-of-Court Disposals: Outcomes 21 and 22
We negotiate actively for the following outcomes: Outcome 21 — used where investigation is complete but prosecution is not in the public interest. Outcome 22 — a deferred no-further-action outcome where the case is closed once the young person completes a short diversionary programme. Youth Conditional Caution — a formal caution with conditions attached, such as restorative justice. These outcomes are frequently non-recordable on a standard DBS check.
Pre-Charge Engagement
The period between the police interview and any charging decision is the most important stage in a youth case. We engage proactively with the police and CPS by presenting relevant evidence, including school reports and character references, medical evidence or neurodiversity assessments, and evidence of exploitation such as involvement in county lines activity.
The Youth Court and Sentencing
Where a case proceeds to court, it is heard in the Youth Court unless it is a grave crime, in which case it may be committed to the Crown Court. The Youth Court is less formal than an adult court — the public is excluded and the focus is on welfare and rehabilitation. Custody remains available only as a measure of last resort.