Growth and development.pdf

A substantial increase in community disposals is projected as a result of a change in localsentencing patterns. This has increased the need for gatekeeping of “preferred options” insocial enquiry reports, which has not yet been systematically established. Monitoring of activityand of the effectiveness of interventions is based on the review of manual records throughsupervision.Data collection is largely related to information required for aggregate returns. IT is not usedroutinely to support practice, although information such as risk assessment scores is collected.A timescale has yet to be set for the planned acquisition of the CareJust criminal justicesoftware module.The successful completion rate for community disposals has risen and now stands at 88% –significant since many of those on community service are young drug users. Changes in practicereflect a change in ethos: offenders are now enabled to comply with and complete communityservice orders whilst discipline is still maintained.5. FinanceService Area(£000)Children’s Services £7,390 £7,798 £7,314 £9,096Community Care £21,820 £14,459 £23,178 £15,360Adult Offenders £24 £35Other SW Services £2,776 £6,882 £2,794 £7,384Total £31,986 £29,163 £33,286 £31,875Spend per headSpend per head £210.03 £229.56Quartile 3 2GAE1999-2000Final netOut turn1999-20001999-2000GAE2000-2001Final netOut turn2000-20012000-2001Criminal Justice services receive funding from the Scottish Executive, and £912,315 was providedin 2000-2001.The Council spends significantly less than GAE on community care, but spends more on children’sservices and much more on other social work services. Spend per head on social work serviceshas increased and is now relatively high.The Council anticipates continued pressure on resources for managing and developing children’services. The capital budget is under pressure to fund improvements to children’s residentialunits to meet new standards.182