27/09/2026
Knowledge. Rights. Community. ⚖️
It was a pleasure to work alongside Vithyah Chelvam of 23 Essex Street and Young Hackney to deliver a practical session for parents and the community on what happens when a young person enters the criminal justice system.
Our presentation, “Arrests, Bail & Court Processes”, gave parents clear, accessible information about the journey from arrest or voluntary interview through the police station, bail and, where applicable, the Youth Court and beyond.
We discussed issues that can be particularly confusing and worrying for families: rights at the police station, free legal advice, the role of the Appropriate Adult, police interviews, bail conditions, the first court appearance and practical steps parents can take to support a young person.
One of the most important messages was simple:
Arrest is not a conviction. Asking for a solicitor does not make a young person look guilty. Knowing your rights matters.
For under-18s, there are also important additional safeguards, including the involvement of an Appropriate Adult.
As a criminal defence solicitor, I see how daunting the criminal justice system can be for young people and their families. Vithyah brings extensive criminal practice experience, including regular appearances in the Youth Court, Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.
That is why initiatives like this matter. Legal information shouldn't only become available once a family is already in crisis. Giving communities practical information about their rights and helping parents understand what may happen can make an intimidating process easier to navigate.
A big thank you to Young Hackney for bringing us together and creating the opportunity for these conversations. Its work includes supporting and guiding young people, helping them participate in their communities, and working with those who have entered the criminal justice system.
And thank you to Vithyah and 23 Essex Street for collaborating with Legal Lifelines. It was a pleasure working together to provide much-needed information to the community.
More of this, please. Education, collaboration and access to justice can make a difference.
