Adferiad Successfully Retain the Appropriate Adult Service

Adferiad are delighted to announce that we have been successful in retendering for the Appropriate Adult Service, with delivery set to continue across the South Wales, Gwent and Dyfed Powys Force regions. The service, which supports vulnerable adults through the custody process, was added to Adferiad’s portfolio of services in 2011 and has been retained across all three areas until at least 2027, with delivery commencing on the 1^st of December.

The support provided by Appropriate Adults is short-term, serving a crucial purpose by advising and advocating for vulnerable individuals to ensure their protection and fair treatment during a critical phase of legal proceedings, helping to mitigate potential injustices and fostering trust in the justice system. The role is an active one with Appropriate Adults expected to advise and support detainees, ensure they are treated fairly by the police and their rights and entitlements are upheld, and facilitate communication between the person and the police, ensuring that they understand all of what is happening to them.

Individuals who could benefit from the presence of an Appropriate Adult include those whose ability to respond appropriately to questioning may be impaired, such as those experiencing mental health issues, learning difficulties, learning disabilities or a range of other complex issues. With Adferiad’s expertise extending across a broad spectrum of mental health, substance use, and complex needs, we are well-placed to deliver the appropriate support to help individuals navigate through the custody process and beyond.

The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be requested for any organisation who are performing interviews under caution such as the Police Forces, HMP Prisons and other external organisations.

Lianne Martynski, Director of Operations (South), for Adferiad said:

“We are delighted to have retained the Appropriate Adult Service across all 3 regions, helping us to ensure that vulnerable adults in Wales receive the guidance they need to effectively navigate the complexities of the custody process. We know how crucial this service can be in ensuring the entitlements of detained individuals are upheld, reflecting our commitment to safeguarding the rights of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. We welcome this opportunity to build on our existing relationships with all 3 police forces and progressing our mutual efforts to foster an environment of compassion and fairness within the custody process.”

Angelika Pastuszko, Service Manager for the Appropriate Adult Service said:

“This marks yet another milestone in our longstanding partnership with these forces and enables us to enhance the service we provide to vulnerable individuals in custody. Our team of Appropriate Adults work tirelessly every day while facing challenging cases to offer a person-centred approach and make a real difference in the lives of those who need our support the most. This success is a reflection of their hard work, as well as Adferiad’s unwavering commitment to reaching the most vulnerable in our society and aligning support with their needs.”