Reports for the Court
The Criminal Justice Social Work Report (CJSWR) is an analytical and standardised tool for providing the court with information prior to sentencing.
The Social Worker's report provides information about the offenders involvement in offending and the problems and issues in the individuals life which could be addressed by social work support and guidance.
The report also assesses the likely impact of various disposals that the court may consider.
The following list reflects the circumstances under which the court is required and/or may choose to obtain a report:- When the offender is a person specified in section 27(1)(b)(i) to (vi) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, which includes a person who is:
Under the supervision of a court
Under supervision or subject to a community service order following release from prison or detention
Subject to a community service order or a probation order which includes an unpaid work requirement
Subject to a supervised release order
Subject to a community reparation order
Under 16 years of age and subject to a restriction of liberty order
Aged 16 or 17 years and subject to a supervision requirement
And the court is:
Passing an extended sentence
Making a probation order
Making a drug treatment and testing order
Making a community service order
Considering a custodial sentence for those aged under 21 years of age and those over 21 years of age who have not previously been sentenced to imprisonment or detention in the UK
Under the Criminal justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010:
The court is required to obtain a CJSWR prior to the imposition of a Community Payback Order except when only a level 1 unpaid work or other activity requirement is imposed on an adult aged 18 and above, or where this requirement is imposed as an alternative to non payment of a fine.
Reports are prepared by Criminal Justice Social Workers who, whilst based in Paisley, meet with individuals at offices across the local authority.