Aims & Purpose Background Theory How the Toolkit Works The Sentence Types of Prison NOMS Be Aware Behaviours Key Stages Arrest (Stage 1) Charge (Stage 2) Court (Stage 3) Starting the Sentence (Stage 4) First Visit (Stage 5) Serving the Sentence (Stage 6) Release (Stage 7)
Reflection
Arrest - Stage 1
Here the family need is to negotiate what is the truth; information is exchanged which has not been known before.
The child may be kept in the dark at this stage or traumatised by the event of the arrest if it took place at home.
State of change: Pre-contemplation
Help the family agree how to manage the information; for the adults many questions are raised. Avoid concrete outcomes or promises as this can be a time of shock, denial and fear.
The child may not be aware that the parent has been arrested, the extended family may not also be aware.
If the person is being held in custody the child will be having to deal with trauma and loss. Similar responses to a 'sudden death' may be observed.
Stop; ask who was present at the arrest? Are they showing signs of shock?
Stop; consider any new risks to the family from their neighbours and local community.
Look how the children are responding to the arrest?
Look for someone who can act as an 'appropriate adult' if the person being interviewed is a child or vulnerable adult.
Look; make sure if the person is bailed that they know when and where to go back and answer bail. This will be on the charge sheet given to the accused.
Look to see if any schools or other professionals working with the family can be notified.
Listen to identify who knows about the arrest, has anyone vital been missed out?
Listen to hear if there is a solicitor with the person.
