Childline Gibraltar has announced that 12 new volunteers have successfully completed training to become Appropriate Adult Volunteers, boosting the charity’s ability to safeguard children under 18 in police custody.

Appropriate Adults provide essential support to ensure that children and young people are treated fairly, understand the process of being detained or arrested, and have someone by their side during what can be a very stressful time. An Appropriate Adult offers specialised assistance to young people who have been detained as the experience of being detained by law enforcement can be a frightening one for young people, particularly if their parents are not available or are unwilling to be present. 

“We are delighted to welcome these new Appropriate Adult Volunteers to the Childline team,” said Caroline Carter, CEO of Childline Gibraltar. “Their commitment strengthens our mission to protect children and young people in our community and to make sure their rights and wellbeing are safeguarded at all times.”

Childline Gibraltar provides round-the-clock coverage, 365 days a year to the Royal Gibraltar Police, Gibraltar Defence Police and HM Customs, ensuring that an Appropriate Adult is always available for every child under the age of 18 in Gibraltar. In order to ensure the highest standard of service and training, Childline are affiliated members of the National Appropriate Adult Network UK

Childline Gibraltar would like to thank PwC, Bassadone Motors and Advantage Insurance Gibraltar, three of our valued Corporate Partners, for empowering their staff to volunteer in this vital role. We also extend our thanks to Xapo Bank for generously providing their wonderful facilities to enable Childline to deliver this training.

Childline Gibraltar is always looking for more dedicated volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved, please visit: https://childline.gi/get-involved/volunteer/.