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More volunteers are needed to support vulnerable people interacting with Guernsey Police, the prison, and the court system.
Known as 'Appropriate Adults' they support others - particularly young people or vulnerable adults - to ensure their interests, rights, entitlements and welfare are safeguarded during any time they spend in custody.
They may also help people during court proceedings or through any involvement with the prison system.
By supporting young people and vulnerable adults to ensure they are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, they also help them participate effectively in the judicial process.
The scheme is managed by Home Affairs, which is looking for people over the age of 18 to join the team.
An Appropriate Adult can be from all walks of life, so long as they are willing to spend time supporting people either in custody or at Court, at what can be a challenging time.
The role might interest people who have knowledge or experience of working with people with learning disabilities/difficulties or mental health concerns or who have social work, healthcare or a teaching background.
The ability to be flexible with the times they could be available is particularly desirable as evenings and weekends tend to be busier times in custody.
As an Appropriate Adult, you will gain an insight into the criminal justice process and relevant training and support will be provided. All applicants will need to undertake a Basic Police Check to ensure their suitability for the role.
Police Inspector Lisa Hart said: “Appropriate Adults are an essential part of the criminal justice system; there to support vulnerable islanders during what can be very difficult and overwhelming times.
"They act as a voice for the person interacting with law enforcement, while also providing important oversight for police, prison, and the courts, to ensure the fairness of the whole process. We’d encourage anyone with experience in working with vulnerable people that is looking to give back to the community to apply.”
Inspector Hart can be contacted via Lisa.Hart@guernsey.police.gg.
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