Child-sensitive policing means responding to every child with dignity, protection and fairness, while acting within the law and in the best interests of the child. These principles apply whether the child is a victim, witness, missing child, in need of protection, or alleged to have committed an offence.
Child-sensitive policing is not a separate task, but a way of carrying out everyday police duties when a child is involved. The principles of protection, dignity and fairness should guide every stage of contact, from the first moment an officer meets a child, through case handling at the station, to coordination with other services.
The sequence below shows how these principles apply in real policing situations, helping officers to make decisions that keep children safe, prevent harm and remain fully compliant with the law.
| Child-Sensitive Policing in Practice | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stage | Principle | What This Means for Police |
| 1. Before Any Action | Equality & Non-Discrimination | Treat every child fairly and without bias — regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, disability, nationality, migration status or background. |
| 2. First Contact / First Decision | Best Interests First | Every decision must prioritise the child’s safety, dignity and long-term well-being. Choose the least harmful lawful option. |
| 3. First Words, First Interaction | Respect & Dignity | Speak calmly and courteously. Avoid intimidation, judgment or humiliation — even if the child is angry, silent or confused. |
| 4. Immediate Safety Check | Protection from Harm | Ensure the child is safe from threats, retaliation, force, exposure or unnecessary detention — starting from the very first moment. |
| 5. Conversation & Information Gathering | Child-Appropriate Communication | Use simple, age-appropriate language. Allow time. Avoid repeated questioning or pressure. |
| 6. Case Handling & Documentation | Safety, Privacy & Confidentiality | Protect identity and personal details. Share information only when lawful and necessary for justice or protection. |
| 7. Care & Support Context | Family & Community Sensitivity | Where safe and lawful, support the child to remain with family or community care. If family is the risk, safety comes first. |
| 8. When the Child is Alleged Offender | Special Protection for Children in Conflict with the Law | Treat the child humanely. Use detention only as a last resort and for the shortest lawful time. Consider diversion where applicable. |
| 9. Beyond the Police Station | Work Together- Not Alone | Refer and coordinate with child protection, probation, social welfare, courts and health services. Police are not expected to do everything alone. |
| 10. Throughout All Actions | Professional Accountability | Child-sensitive behaviour is a core police duty. Officers are responsible for lawful, ethical and professional conduct at all times. |