Accessibility Skip to main content

Information for young people

Support for young people in Torbay, including rights, services, and guidance from the Youth Justice team.”

Sections

If you get into trouble and are arrested, you may be dealt with in a number of different ways. It depends on:

  • the seriousness of the offence
  • if you admit to committing the offence to the police when interviewed

If you are under 18 years old you will be dealt with under child criminal justice legislation. This is different to adult legislation.

Our role is to reduce offending by children and young people. We will work with you and those who care for you, to make this happen. If you want any advice you can speak to us using the contact details on the bottom of this page.

Sections

Arrest - what happens

If you get arrested, you will normally go to the nearest police station. If you are under 17 years old, you have the right for an appropriate adult to go with you to the police station. An appropriate adult must be over 18 years of age. They could be a:

  • parent
  • carer
  • relative
  • social worker
  • youth worker

If no one is available, we have an appropriate adult service. We can provide a trained person to attend. The police will arrange this. If you are under 18 the police will try to contact your parents or carers.

The police will interview you. This should always be done with a solicitor present. The solicitor must have an opportunity to speak with you first. If you don't have a solicitor, the police will appoint a duty solicitor.

This helpful video shows what happens at the police station when a young person is arrested.

Contact Family Information Service