Appropriate Adults Training

The course aims to provide learners with the underpinning knowledge and skills so as to plan for effective Appropriate or Responsible Adult support for service users who are received into custody. The theory and skills base taught is generic in character so that learners from a variety of settings will find the material meaningful. Learners have the opportunity to translate theory into practice so that it has most relevance in their area of practice.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course learners should have understood:

Course content:

• What the experience might be like for a vulnerable adult being held in custody
• Why an Appropriate Adult may be essential to supporting the service user in this difficult situation
• The role of the Appropriate Adult as created in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984
• How this relates to safeguarding the rights and welfare of vulnerable adults in custody
• The complexity of the Appropriate Adult role
• The need for clear boundaries
• The police powers and procedures as detailed within the codes of practice outlined in the above Act which was brought into effect from 31st December 2005
• The ‘Police Service Guide’ to recognising vulnerable or intimidated witnesses
• The three basic rights afforded to an arrested service user
• How to assist in empowering vulnerable adults to assert these rights
• The communication needs of a variety of users in this type of stressful situation
• How to assist in facilitating better communication
• Advocacy issues involved (incl. limitations)
• Practice issues

Training methods:

• Tutor presentations
• OHP PowerPoint
• Small group work
• Group discussion
• Chalk & Talk
• Pairs work/role play
• Handouts

CP