What a justice social work report is
If someone is convicted of an offence, the court may ask for a justice social work report (JSWR).
This is a social background report requested by the sentencing Sheriff to help the court know more about you and your life before deciding on a sentence.
The report is written by a social worker and includes:
- information on your background, previous offences or involvement in offending, your current situation, and any support needs you may have
- your attitude to, and understanding of, your offence
- an assessment of your risk of re-offending
- considerations on the impact on the victim and community
- a review of the likely sentencing options, considering the most effective to reduce re-offending.
The aim is to reduce the chances of further offending.
The report will help decide if you are suitable for a community sentence, such as a fine or a Community Payback Order.
When reports are asked for
A court may request a report for many reasons but not for every case.
Reports are always prepared for:
- anyone under 21 years of age and convicted
- anyone who could be sentenced to custody for the first time
- anyone who is already subject to supervision.
Justice social work report interview
If a report has been requested, you’ll likely be asked to come into the justice social work office.
If you need a second interview, it may be at your home, or some other suitable place.
Our social worker may ask for information on:
- the offence(s) which led to you appearing in court, as well as any previous offending
- your current circumstances, such as where you live and who you live with
- your financial situation
- your physical and mental health
- any past or current involvement with social work services.
The social worker writing the report will look at this information alongside other information that has been made available to them.
Information from other people
They will explain to you who they will contact for more information.
This could include:
- other agencies and access to social work records
- your GP
- a family member or partner.
The information you and other people provide will be treated confidentially. But you need to know that information from the report could be discussed during your court appearance.
Sometimes, journalists are in court. They are not given a copy of the report but can share news on any case which is discussed in an open court.
The report will also be seen by the Sentencer, Procurator Fiscal (the prosecutor) and your solicitor.
Information you share with us
It’s your choice what information you share with the social worker.
The court relies on the report to help make a decision on your sentencing. If the report writer does not have enough information to complete the report, a letter will be sent to court explaining the reasons why a report is not available.
If you're unsure or have questions, you can speak with the social worker. For independent advice, speak to your solicitor.
When your report is complete
Your solicitor will be provided with a copy of your Justice Social Work Report.
If you do not have a solicitor, a member of the court social work team can provide a copy.
Sometimes, the social worker who prepared your report may speak with you about what is in it. This is to help you understand the content and to answer any questions you may have.
When you appear in court
You should attend court on time and meet with your solicitor if necessary.
You will be sentenced at court. The outcome may involve working with justice social work services as part of a community-based sentence.
This could start on the same day you are sentenced. If not, you will get information to help you understand what is expected and what happens next.
More information
If you want to find out more, contact our justice social work service by: