Appoint a Guardian ad Litem for every child under 18 at first point of arrest

Background

Introduce legislation requiring the mandatory appointment of an independent Guardian ad Litem for every child under 18 at the point of arrest, before any interview or formal process begins.

Additional details

Children are arrested daily without a single independent adult whose legal duty is to protect them. Over 4.6 million children grow up in homes shaped by poverty and abuse. Many are groomed into county lines and exploitation. At arrest they face the most critical moment of their lives alone. An Appropriate Adult is procedural. A duty solicitor protects legal rights. Neither acts solely for the child. The Guardian ad Litem exists in Family Court. It must now extend to the point of arrest.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.