If you are convicted of an offence, the court may ask for a criminal justice social work report to be written. This helps the court decide what sentence they should impose.
Criminal justice social work reports
A report is required before:
- a community payback order can be imposed
- a custodial sentence can be imposed on a person under 21 years of age
- issuing a custodial sentence to someone for the first time
- before an individual who is, at the time of sentencing, in receipt of social work supervision can be sentenced for a further offence.
The report will contain details about:
- your personal background and circumstances
- your physical and mental health, including any alcohol or drug use
- any history of offending and response to previous disposals
- your attitude to the current offence
- your risk and needs
- the feasibility of a community-based disposal.
If a report is requested, you will be asked to attend an interview with a social worker