Growth and development.pdf

Eilean SiarThere are good links with throughcare agencies on the mainland. Further progress is requiredin establishing an inter-agency approach and in consulting young people. Particular strengthsinclude the NCH Independent Living Project, which provides supported accommodation,independent living and practical support to young people leaving care.Joint funded by the Comhairle and NHS Board, respite care is provided by NCH for children andyoung people with special needs in both residential and outreach settings. The outreach caremay take place at home, to allow parents to have some time to themselves, or may involve thechild in an activity away from the home. A part-time co-ordinator links with families, supportsthe sessional outreach staff and provides training.The Comhairle’s 2002 review of committee and management arrangements for social workservices is directed towards:• integrated working between education and child care services; and• consultation of children and their families about the development of integrated services.4. Performance: Criminal JusticeKey ActivitiesNumber of social enquiry reports submitted to the courts 84 73 39.7 4during the yearNumber of community service orders made during the year 16 16 8.7 4The proportion of social enquiry reports reported to courtwithin target time2000-2001 QuartileProportion of social enquiry reports submitted to the courts 98.6 2by due dateThe time taken to complete community service orders1999-20002000-2001Average length of community service (hours) for orders 171 1completed during the yearAverage hours completed per week 5.4 12000-2001per 10,000QuartileA low rate of social enquiry reports were submitted in 2000-2001 – a reflection of the very lowcrime rate. A relatively high proportion were submitted by the due date. A low rate of communityservice orders were made during the year. The average number of hours of orders was highcompared to many other authorities, but orders were completed relatively quickly with anaverage of 5.4 hours completed per week.Though not part of a formal grouping, the Council maintains links with the Northern Partnership.The small numbers of offenders create some difficulties for specialist service delivery. Alcoholabuse is linked to more than half of requests for social enquiry reports. Given the small numbers,monitoring is a relatively simple manual process.New funding for a criminal justice manager post – to be filled by autumn 2002 – will enhancemanagement capacity to meet complex needs. Increasing use of specialisation within anecessarily generic framework is being fostered. Partnership arrangements include peer reviewwith Orkney and Shetland, supported by the installation of a video link; opting into trainingarrangements with Highland Council; using a consultant to support work with sex offenders;and importing a drink-driving scheme developed by Orkney Islands Council and SACRO.107