Structured Deferred Sentence
Glasgow CJA was successful in a bid for funding to set up a Structured Deferred Sentence option for Sheriffs to use as a disposal in the Sheriff and District Courts. It allows the offender to complete a supervised programme to address offending behavior, test their commitment to change and address underlying needs. They are monitored and reviewed by the court to assess progress. The Sheriff has an opportunity consider if a further sentence, such as probation or community service, is required when the SDS is completed, depending on its outcomes.
Glasgow City Council Social Work Services is working with Glasgow Community Safety Services to develop a programme that will provide a challenging alternative to either a short custodial sentence or other disposal. It will include where possible work in the community to provide an element of 'payback' as well as working on issues like drug and alcohol misuse and offending behaviours. It will be strongly focused on employment and we will measure progress to employment as part of the overall evaluation of the success of the service.
We will report back on the initial operation of the service in April 2009.
Community Service Visibility Project
This is a small scale project aimed at better connecting the work done through community service to local community priorities. We will work with local community groups to prioritise work and will provide more information about what work can and has been undertaken as part of community service in Glasgow.
For more information on these projects and the work of the CJA please contact us.
