NCJ Number
205383
Date Published
2004
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the development of evidence-based social work practice with offenders in Scotland with comparisons made in policy and practice development elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
Abstract
Scotland’s unique legislative system and the existence of a devolved Scottish Parliament have ensured that it has retained a distinctive approach to criminal justice and penal policy. Even though there is evidence that policy initiatives have in part been predicated upon a desire to be seen to “get tough” on offenders, there is, equally, a concern to address wider issues of social justice and enhancing social inclusion. In other parts of the United Kingdom, there is an increasing preoccupation with managing the risk posed by a relatively small number of serious violent and sexual offenders through the use of increasingly lengthy prison sentences and extended periods of supervision in the community. However, there appears to be a commitment to impacting positively upon Scotland’s unacceptably high prison population through the use of non-custodial options. The recent developments in Scotland, with the introduction of program accreditation and the identification of Pathfinders closely parallel similar developments elsewhere in the United Kingdom. In this chapter, the development of evidence-based social work practice with offenders in Scotland is discussed, contrasting this with policy and practice development in other places in the United Kingdom. References