"Appropriate adult" schemes underused

Research shows varying support for mentally disordered in police interviews

News, 16 November 2004

Schemes to provide practical support for people with mental disorders during police questioning are underused and not offered to everyone who needs them, according to new research.

The research, commissioned by the Executive on the recommendation of the Millan Committee Report, shows that while 1,690 people with some form of mental health problem had proceedings brought against them in court in 2002, only 827 were given support from "appropriate adults".

It found that although there was widespread awareness of the schemes among the professionals questioned, there were some common misconceptions about the schemes, and a lack of clarity about how they worked.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "Today's research shows that the schemes reduced the stress and anxiety of users, helped communication with the police and increased the fairness of the criminal justice system. However, it also shows that the schemes are underused and not everyone who needs such help is being offered it.

"The research also highlights a variety of other ways in which the schemes could be improved including better recording and monitoring practices, and improved training for other professions in how these schemes operate.

"We can and must improve on this."

The Executive is to host a one day seminar next month for all those with an interest in appropriate adult schemes, in a bid to improve their uptake and operation.