Children and young people have important legal rights when dealing with the police, but information about these rights is often hard to find. From age 10, children can be arrested and interviewed by police or asked to attend a voluntary interview. The law ensures that children must have an ‘appropriate adult’ present - often a parent, though trained appropriate adults will always encourage children to have a lawyer present as well.
The Youth Justice Legal Centre and Just for Kids Law have collaborated to create an informative video specifically for children and young people who are suspects in police investigations. This video explains what happens when you're arrested and detained, covering: your right to have an appropriate adult present (required by law); your right to free legal representation from a lawyer; a child’s options for answering questions in interview; what happens after your interview, including the various options police have for handling your case.
Remember: Even in voluntary interviews (where you're not in custody), you still have the right to an appropriate adult and free legal advice.