Children’s Independent Custody Scrutiny Panel Findings Appropriate Adults: Appropriate Adults (AAs) were contacted promptly and attended key stages of the detention process in several cases. In some cases, there were delays in contacting and securing an AA which may have contributed to the length of detention time, particularly during overnight periods. Child-Centred and Trauma-Informed: Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring communication and engagement approaches in custody are adapted to the needs of the individual child: Vulnerabilities Communication needs Trauma history Level of understanding South Wales Police recognised opportunities to further develop this approach, with ongoing child-focused and trauma-informed training identified as beneficial. Time Spent in Custody: A consistent theme was the need to ensure children are detained for the shortest possible time. Positive examples were highlighted where custody periods were short and children were diverted from continued detention quickly. This included releasing a child when continued detention was unnecessary, even where an AA had not attended. Custody staff actively explored alternative accommodation options where possible. Opportunity to consider this and other alternatives to detention consistently across cases. Difficulties in securing suitable alternative accommodation, particularly overnight, was highlighted. Safeguarding and Vulnerability: Several cases raised questions regarding the identification and management of vulnerability, exploitation and safeguarding risks with 50 % of cases reviewed involving children known to be at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation. Positive examples of consideration given to the following in some cases: Referrals to the National Referral Mechanism Section 47 child protection concerns Involvement of local authority Emergency Duty Teams Opportunities to consider these more consistently in other cases identified.. Key Statistics from cases reviewed: Average length of time between AA contact made and AA arrival= 3 hours 21 minutes (One case released before arrival). Children seen by a Health Care Professional=100% 6/6 cases. Average length of time between arrival in custody and detention authorisation=20 minutes. Female children allocated a female member of staff=100% 3/3 cases. Female children offered sanitary products=100%, 3/3 cases. Public Protection Notices (PPN) submitted=100% 6/6 cases.