Supporting Children at the Police Station: A Practical Workshop for NHS Liaison & Diversion Staff
Date: 28th October 2026 | Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: £145 | £75 for YJLC Members
Online facilitated workshop
This interactive workshop will strengthen your understanding of children’s legal rights and entitlements at the police station and the vital role Liaison and Diversion services can play in protecting their welfare and supporting fair, informed decisions.
The workshop will cover:
- The key legal protections available to children.
- The principles police must follow when dealing with children.
- The law and procedures governing crucial interactions including arrest, searches—including strip searches—detention decisions, interviews and bail.
- How Liaison and Diversion staff can support decision-makers by providing information about a child’s fitness to be interviewed and contributing to bail, remand and placement decisions.
Delegates will consolidate their learning by working in small groups on practical, real-life scenarios, applying the law and relevant guidance while developing appropriate responses together.
By the end of the session, participants will be better equipped to assess and support children at the police station, advocate effectively and appropriately on their behalf and contribute confidently to decisions throughout their time at the police station.
The workshop will be facilitated by Ruth McGregor-Hamann
Ruth is a leading youth justice lawyer with a distinguished career advocating for children. She co-founded Just for Kids Law, served on the youth team at top-tier firm Hodge Jones & Allen, and has been a trusted trainer with the Youth Justice Legal Centre for many years. Her extensive frontline experience—from advising children nationwide through the YJLC Advice Line to representing them in police stations and courts—gives her unparalleled insight into diversion and out-of-court decision-making. With over a decade of involvement in youth-focused charities and hands-on work with children, Ruth brings exceptional expertise and credibility to every session.