Structured Deferred Sentence (SDS)
Programme Name:
Right Track
Description:
A structured deferred sentence is a flexible intervention providing structured social work support for individuals post-conviction but prior to sentencing. They can be used for people who have offended with underlying challenges that might be addressed through social work and/or multi-agency intervention. At the end of the period of intervention, the court retains the discretion to pass sentence in any manner that would have been appropriate at the time of conviction, but with the benefit of information from the supervising officer in relation to the period of deferral. The aim of the Right Track 16-26 programme is to engage with 16–26-year-old young people who have come into contact with the Justice System.
Contact information:
Further Information:
A typical Right Track Order is for six months/often longer. The aim of the programme it to assist in stabilising a person’s lifestyle, reducing their offending and thus mitigating a potential for a custodial sentence. The programme requires offenders: • To attend individual meetings with the Right Track Officer to discuss, identify and address their criminogenic needs • To attend and participate in a weekly ‘Work Project’ at the Kabin at Westbank, which is aimed at structuring the young person’s time. The young person can gain skills in gardening, planting, wall building etc. A person’s personal development needs are also worked on in these sessions. The Sheriff’s considers hours attended at the ‘Work Programme’ and can admonish the young people provided enough hours have been completed. • A young person attending Right Track gains access to an Outreach worker who assists improving their life. This is achieved through assistance with benefit application, obtaining secure and safe housing, gaining good access to health services and linking in with employment and training opportunities. • A Young Person is supported to transition from Right Track out of the Justice system wherever possible.