NCJ Number
125214
Date Published
1989
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This discussion of diversion from prosecution in Scotland describes diversion to assistance provided by the social work departments of local governments.
Abstract
Referral to social work with a complete waiving of criminal proceedings is the most common of the three models of pretrial diversion used in Scotland. Data from a 1986 sample of 220 cases, of which just over half were subsequently accepted for social work intervention, showed that diversion referrals tended to be first offenders and that just over half were not previously known to social work departments. The individuals referred for diversion had a higher proportion of females and tended to be older than the total prosecution caseloads. In addition, people referred for diversion are accused of a wide range of predominantly minor, victimless crimes; shoplifting was the most common offense. Moreover, the social work services for these individuals were similar to the agencies' general social work in its variety and content. Discussion of policy implications, tables, footnotes, attached program documents, 23 references, and list of additional reports from the same organization.