Representing Children at the Police Station

Representing Children at the Police Station

Join our legal masterclass on representing children in the police station.

Children often report finding the police station to be the most gruelling part of a criminal proceedings. Many of them do not get the outcomes they should.

This practical session will cover key legal and strategic issues arising in police interviews with child suspects, including:

• The necessity to arrest and detain tests
• Voluntary interviews – the role of the legal representative, including benefits for the child and potential pitfalls
• Appropriate adults – who is “appropriate”, when one is required, where to find the relevant guidance, and how representatives should work with them
• Fitness to be interviewed – how the test operates in practice and what to do where there are concerns, including the role of Liaison and Diversion, full mental health assessments, and speech and language input
• Adaptations and communication aids for children with communication needs
• Police bail and remand – including the s.38(6) test, relevant concordat guidance, and issues arising in overnight detention and how to address them
• Considering Out of Court Disposals

The session will provide practical guidance and insight to support effective representation of children at a critical stage of the criminal process.

Online Masterclasses for lawyers representing children in the criminal legal system

YJLC has launched a monthly masterclass series for lawyers representing children in criminal proceedings.

The masterclasses will give you practical insight into applying youth justice law and procedure effectively, with real case studies that illustrate the strategies and techniques that make a difference in court. Each session is designed to sharpen your case preparation and advocacy skills, helping you secure the best possible outcomes for children.

These masterclasses support the knowledge and competencies required by the Bar Standards Board and the Solicitors Regulation Authority for representing children in criminal cases, and they can also count towards your CPD requirements.

Classes will run on the first Tuesday of each month from 5pm - 6:30pm starting 4th November 2025.

Classes are led by youth justice experts, including:

Aika Stephenson

Aika Stephenson is one of the UK’s leading youth justice solicitors and the Legal Director of Just for Kids Law. With over 20 years’ experience representing children in criminal proceedings, Aika brings unparalleled insight into the realities of youth defence work. Twice named Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year, she is also the author of In Their Defence: Fighting for Youth Justice One Child at a Time — a powerful account of her work and the systemic challenges faced by young defendants.

Shauneen Lambe

Shauneen Lambe is an internationally recognised lawyer, qualified as both a barrister in the UK and an attorney in the USA. She began her career at the Louisiana Crisis Assistance Center, representing clients facing the death penalty — including those accused of offences committed as children. A founding leader in youth justice reform, Shauneen is an Ashoka Fellow, an Eisenhower Fellow, and co-author of Youth Justice Law and Practice (the leading LAG textbook for lawyers).

Mel Stooks

Mel Stooks is an exceptionally experienced youth justice solicitor and Head of the Youth Team at GT Stewart Solicitors & Advocates. Since qualifying in 1998, she has dedicated her career to defending young and vulnerable people, often representing clients from police station to trial to ensure trust and continuity. An accomplished trial advocate, Mel regularly defends children charged with serious offences, including murder, and has particular expertise in neurodiversity and criminal exploitation. She has contributed to national best practice guidance, including the ICCA’s Advocacy for Children in Conflict with the Law, and delivers specialist training for lawyers and other professionals working within the youth justice system.

Over the series of masterclasses, we will also be joined by other leading youth justice lawyers as they help develop your skills and knowledge in representing children facing criminal allegations.