Structured Deferred Sentence (SDS)
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 issues 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.
Contact information:
Further Information:
Structured Deferred Sentence (SDS) is available in South Lanarkshire for those aged 16-21 appearing in dedicated young person’s sentencing courts and for adults appearing in the dedicated Alcohol and Drug Problem Solving Court. Our Whole System Approach(WSA) team work with those aged 16-25 in conflict with the law placed on SDS, while our dedicated Recovery Orientated Justice Service (ROJS) work with adults who experience challenges as a result of alcohol or drug use who are placed on SDS. Our dedicated Women’s Service also support women from South Lanarkshire who are placed on SDS in Glasgow’s dedicated Women’s Court. SDS provides a flexible and welfare focussed approach to those who require support during a period of deferral prior to sentence. Individuals are supported by social work staff and a range of partner services to take forward an agreed care and support plan that enables individuals to access services that best meet their needs and reduce areas of risk/need that have been identified as having contributed to the person’s involvement with the Justice System.