Summary
Background to the report
This is the eleventh in a national programme of inspections of criminal justice social work services.
We looked at the quality of reports prepared for the courts and the Parole Board and evaluated the standard of supervision of offenders on probation and community service orders and parole and non parole licences. To do this we read 34 social enquiry and home background reports, examined 20 case files, observed staff working with offenders and interviewed offenders who had received them. We also visited community service sites and sought the views of the Sheriff and community service beneficiaries. We assessed the quality of reports and supervision using a four point scale: 'very good', 'good' 'adequate' and 'poor'. 1
Key findings
Delivering services to national standards across such a scattered population is not easy. We found that the department was working hard to provide services to a consistent standard and that their quality was improving. Most court reports were well evidenced and written. Almost all cases had a plan for supervision. Timescales for providing reports and for first interviews with offenders were met.
Some areas of work needed to be improved. Timescales for case reviews were not always being met, staff needed to improve performance in respect of contact levels and enforcement practice; their work with offenders, particularly those whose offending constituted a possible risk to others, needed to be more focussed on risk management and addressing offending behaviour; there needed to be a more focussed approach to developing community service.
The report contains 10 recommendations. These are directed towards:
- improving staff skills in assessment and intervention with particular reference to work with high-risk offenders and offenders with alcohol-related problems;
- implementing a development plan for community service;
- introducing formal arrangements for staff supervision and staff development;
- improving case recording;
- evaluating service performance.