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Justice Social Work Reports

Justice Social Work Reports

A Justice Social Work Report (JSWR) is prepared by a justice social worker prior to sentencing, when requested, by the court.

The purpose of the report is to assist the court in making a fair, informed and proportionate decision regarding sentencing. The report will outline an individual’s suitability in relation to sentencing options and, where appropriate, a recommendation as to the most suitable disposal maybe given. However, the final decision rests with the court.

At least one face to face appointment will be carried out at the local justice office and consultation may take place with other agencies who may be involved.

The report provides the court with information about

• background/ Significant Relationships
• accommodation
• training/education and employment
• financial Circumstances
• physical health
• mental health and wellbeing
• substance use
• use of time

An individual’s attitude and understanding of the index offence will be explored and analysed and a risk assessment will be carried out, outlining what supports are required to address needs as well as risk.

Courts send a request to the local authority in which the subject resides when

• the court is considering a custodial sentence for people under the age of 21 or for the first time
• the court is considering sentencing someone to a community payback order
• someone who is already subject to a community payback order is being sentenced for another offence

For further information and support around JSWR, you can access the community directory or the Community Interventions and Support Directory - Community Justice Scotland. 

Change Grow Live 
Ground Floor, Lime Tree House, North Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX
t: 0808 196 2188 (and select option 3)
e: fv.cglforthvalley@nhs.scot  

The purpose of a JSWR is to assist the Court in determining the most suitable disposal in relation to risk and needs.

Justice Social Work Reports

• are written by qualified social workers
• structured using national guidance and standards 
• include an assessment of needs as well as risk
• consider the impact of the offence of victims and the community
• provide a recommendation to the court about sentencing options
• where appropriate, support community based alternatives to custody

The following disposals are available to the court:

• Custody
• Financial penalty
• Community payback order 
• Restriction of liberty order
• Drug treatment and testing order
• Deferred sentence
• Admonition

If the court requests a CJSWR, this process is as follows:

• Court request
  • The sheriff or judge instructs justice social work to prepare a report​.
• Interview
  • You will generally receive an appointment letter to attend an interview to the address provided by the court​.
• Assessment
  • It should be submitted to the Court at least 48 hours prior to your next hearing. Please make sure to provide honest and accurate information when asked. The social worker will
    • ask about your personal circumstances
    • discuss the offence
    • assess risk and support needs
    • consider suitability for community based options
• Report submission
  • The completed report is submitted to the court 48 hours prior to your next hearing.​
• Sentencing
  • The Court considers the report alongside other information when deciding your sentence.

It is important that you attend your appointment and provide honest information.