Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure the financial stability and development of Appropriate Adult services across the criminal justice system in the next three years.

The Government recognises the important role that Appropriate Adults play in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children and vulnerable adults within the criminal justice system, ensuring they are treated fairly and able to participate effectively in police processes.

Appropriate Adult services are delivered locally through a range of partnership arrangements, including local authorities, police and crime commissioners and voluntary sector organisations, enabling provision to reflect local need and demand.

The Home Office provides grant funding to support Appropriate Adult services, including through funding to the National Appropriate Adult Network

The Government is committed to upholding the safeguards set out in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and its Codes of Practice, which requires that children and vulnerable adults are supported by an Appropriate Adult during police interactions.