I’ve looked at this from my perspective as a professional Appropriate Adult (AA). Organised ritual abuse involves the systematic sexual, physical, and psychological abuse of children—and often adults—by groups who use rituals, coercion, fear, and belief systems to exert control over victims. Its purpose is not only abuse, but domination, silence, and long-term trauma. OneContinue reading “The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA Centre) has published an important and challenging analysis of organised ritual abuse. Some thoughts from a professional Appropriate Adult.”
Tag Archives: #PACEcodeC
The Broken Cycle of Justice and Neurodivergence
Anyone who has seen The Green Mile will remember John Coffey—a character who beautifully, and heartbreakingly, mirrors what we now recognize as severe #neurodivergence. Recently, I watched a similar heartbreak play out right before my eyes in a custody suite.The #Custody staff were exceptional—compassionate, yet sensibly cautious. The frontline police care deeply. They often lookContinue reading “The Broken Cycle of Justice and Neurodivergence”
I love my job : I’m lucky to be paid as an Appropriate Adult – but many people volunteer and now is true tine to say thank you.
Appreciation of the role Appropriate Adult in Police Stations
I Love My Job — But Let Me Tell You What It Really Means to Sit on the Clapham Omnibus
What is it really like to be an Appropriate Adult attending Police Custody at 3am on a wet Sunday morning to support the most vulnerable in our society.
I love my job
The custody suite was absolute bedlam — multiple fights breaking out in the holding cells, a dozen different languages bouncing off the walls, and the usual Friday-night circus of drunks, dealers, and domestic disasters. The custody sergeant, a grizzled veteran with zero patience left, leaned across his desk, veins bulging in his neck, and bellowedContinue reading “I love my job”
National County Lines Coordination Centre conferences for London-based police & professionals supporting children
FREE in-person National County Lines Coordination Centre conferences for London-based police & professionals supporting children, focused on County Lines & child exploitation, discuss with subject matter experts. With 2 dates. Lunch included. Registration required. The National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) invites you to an insightful event focused on tackling County Lines and Child Exploitation.Continue reading “National County Lines Coordination Centre conferences for London-based police & professionals supporting children”
Prison – we remain trapped in our thinking. But what alternatives exist ?
Mechanism of custodial thinking – how does it work? The underlying support for custodial sanctions is based on the assumption that individuals are rational actors who conduct a cost-benefit analysis of committing a criminal act. They are deterred from criminal behaviour and activity by the increasing severity of punishments, as the risk of imprisonment withContinue reading “Prison – we remain trapped in our thinking. But what alternatives exist ?”
Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (“SLCN”) affect 60–88% of youth in custody. A very rudimentary guide to recognising communication needs in children during the police station custody experience
(not intended for professionals who should be SLCN informed) Children in custody often face significant communication challenges that, if unaddressed, can exacerbate distress and hinder their ability to engage with legal processes. Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (“SLCN”) affect 60–88% of youth in custody, yet these needs frequently go unrecognized. This report synthesizes evidence-based strategiesContinue reading “Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (“SLCN”) affect 60–88% of youth in custody. A very rudimentary guide to recognising communication needs in children during the police station custody experience”
Independent Persons 