If police want to interview your child under 18, PACE Code C requires an appropriate adult for interviews and safeguards around legal advice. A solicitor is not compulsory, but legal advice at the police station stage is free and strongly advisable — arrange an appropriate adult and a solicitor before any interview.
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Key takeaways
- Anyone under 18 is a juvenile for PACE Code C purposes.
- Paragraph 11.15: a juvenile must not be interviewed without an appropriate adult (subject to limited exceptions).
- A solicitor is not compulsory, but the appropriate adult can ask for one (paragraph 6.5A); advice is free at the police station stage.
1) Appropriate adult
PACE Code C paragraph 1.5 defines a juvenile as anyone under 18. Paragraph 1.7 lists who may act as an appropriate adult. When a juvenile is brought to a police station, the custody officer must inform the appropriate adult and ask them to attend (paragraph 3.15). Paragraph 11.15 provides that a juvenile must not be interviewed regarding their involvement or suspected involvement in a criminal offence in the absence of an appropriate adult, except as provided in paragraphs 11.1 and 11.18 to 11.20. Parents may act if they meet paragraph 1.7, but an independent adult is sometimes preferable — discuss with a solicitor. See appropriate adult guide.
2) Right to a solicitor
PACE section 58 protects the right to consult a solicitor. A child is not forced to see a solicitor, but the appropriate adult may ask for a solicitor on the child’s behalf (Code C paragraph 6.5A). Police station legal advice for interviews is not means-tested at this stage — arranging a solicitor before interview is strongly advisable.
3) What parents should do
- Do not discuss the allegation with the child or tell them what to say on the way to the station.
- Contact a duty solicitor immediately.
- Confirm an appropriate adult will attend.
- Keep paperwork and custody details.
See youth custody rights and PACE Code C.
Related guides
Sources
Sources checked: 1 October 2026.
- Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 — legislation.gov.uk
- PACE Code C 2023 — GOV.UK
- SRA register — Tuckers Solicitors LLP (127795)
- GOV.UK — If you are arrested: your rights
General information only — not legal advice about any individual case. While every care is taken to keep information accurate, errors may occur and the law changes. Do not rely on this page instead of advice from a qualified solicitor. If you believe something is incorrect, contact us to report a content error. Legal services are provided by Tuckers Solicitors LLP (SRA ID: 127795).