Structured Deferred Sentence

Interventions suitable for

Aged 16-21 years old, is a full-time resident of North Lanarkshire and is assessed as medium to high risk of reoffending.

Programme Title and Provider

Structured Deferred Sentence; Youth Justice

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

North Lanarkshire Council piloted Structured Deferred Sentences alongside South Lanarkshire Council in Hamilton Sheriff Court. A specific Structured Deferred Sentencing Court for Young People is held every two weeks where two Sheriffs sit on alternative sessions. The young people attend Court for regular reviews, generally monthly, along with their worker who has provided a Progress Report. Young People are offered the additional support of intensive services to achieve good outcomes. Discussions are currently underway with SCTCs to extend Structured Deferred Sentencing to Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Possible Outcomes

The young person engages better with their action plan which will assist them to address their offending behaviour, reduce the likelihood of them reoffending and assist the young person with non-criminogenic needs to stabilise their lives, for example, housing education and employment. Currently this is showing higher success rates for young people with the option of an admonishment at the end of a successful engagement.

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

The writer of the Criminal Justice Social Worker Report should request this disposal within their report is the young person meet the criteria e.g., aged 16-21 years old, is a full-time resident of North Lanarkshire and is assessed as medium to high risk of reoffending. The Court itself can also request a Structured Deferred Sentence Assessment.

Interventions suitable for

Aged between 16 – 18 years old and are a full-time resident of North Lanarkshire.

Programme Title and Provider

Review Hearing Pilot; Youth Justice

Details of all Specific national or local scheme/intervention(s) available

North Lanarkshire Council are commencing a review hearing pilot alongside South Lanarkshire. It will last for one year and will be evaluated by the University of the West of Scotland.

The pilot aims to ensure more young people who are in conflict with the law are dealt with through the hearing system instead of the courts. The criterion for inclusion is young people who have been jointly reported by police to the procurator fiscal and children’s reporter, young people who are in conflict with the law and are at risk of secure care or in secure care and lastly, the sheriff requesting advice and/or remitting to the hearing system.

The pilot takes a similar approach to the young person’s plan as Structured Deferred Sentences. The care plans are time limited, and outcome focused.

The plan will be reviewed regularly to monitor the progress and address any concerns in a timely manner. The young person will only be subject to a compulsory supervision order for as long as they require it.

Possible Outcomes

The young person engages with a tailored action plan which will assist them to address their offending behaviour, reduce the likelihood of them reoffending and assist the young person with non-criminogenic needs to stabilise their lives, for example, housing education and employment.

The young person is diverted away from the court and receives a more welfare-based approach to their care.

Process for Assessment and/or inclusion in scheme/intervention

The writer of the Criminal Justice Social Worker Report should request this disposal within their report is the young person meet the criteria e.g., aged 16-18 years old, is a full-time resident of North Lanarkshire and is assessed as medium to high risk of reoffending.

The Children’s Reporter would request a social work assessment if they received a joint report from the police or the sheriff has sought advice.