Better support for children and vulnerable adults detained by Dorset Police
A county wide service for all ages is launching in July
It's hoped a new service will improve support for children and vulnerable adults interviewed by police in Dorset.
Authorities including the county's police and crime commissioner are backing 'The Appropriate Adult Service' with funding.
Dorset and BCP Councils are also involved with support from Dorset Police and Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service.
The new service starting on July 1 and will initially run for two years.
It will provide specially trained people who can be present when either a child's parent or guardian cannot be there, or attend police interviews of people with a mental illness, a learning disability, brain injury, or who have autism.
David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said:
"This new service will mean that young people and vulnerable adults will receive the support they require when they enter police custody.
"This is an important step forward which will not only protect the legal rights of vulnerable suspects, many of whom will have not been charged with any offence, but it will also improve the quality of police investigations by making sure they are informed by reliable evidence."
Jan Steadman, Director of Criminal Justice at Dorset Police, said:
"Dorset Police's vision is to provide an outstanding service to the people of Dorset, with a particular focus on those who are most vulnerable. This means that no matter what interaction someone is having with the police, they deserve and can expect the best possible support and level of service.
"Having an appropriate adult to guide children and vulnerable adults through what can be a worrying or confusing time is just one of the ways we can support them."
The new approach is supported by both Dorset and BCP Councils.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council's Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help and Cllr Laura Miller, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said:
"We are delighted that through working pragmatically with our partners we have collectively developed this new Dorset wide service.We are confident that it will provide our children, young people and vulnerable adults with a quality assured responsive service.
"Our aim is to reduce the time that young people or vulnerable adults spend in custody and this is one step in our journey to achieving this."