Growth and development.pdf

OrkneyIntegration of children’s services is a priority reflected in the roll out of the New CommunitySchools project, in which social work staff work from the two main secondary schools in theislands. The need for integration is emphasised by parents of children with profound needscalling for education, social work and health to improve joint working.4. Performance: Criminal JusticeKey ActivitiesNumber of social enquiry reports submitted to the courts 61 50 37.2 4during the yearNumber of community service orders made during the year 19 11 8.2 4The proportion of social enquiry reports reported to courtwithin target time2000-2001 QuartileProportion of social enquiry reports submitted to the courts 100.0 1by due dateThe time taken to complete community service orders1999-20002000-2001Average length of community service (hours) for orders 182 1completed during the yearAverage hours completed per week 7.0 12000-2001per 10,000QuartileThe rates of social enquiry reports submitted and of community service orders made has beenlower than in most other authorities. The low numbers reflect the low crime rate in Orkney. Allreports are submitted to courts by the due date. The average length of community service hoursfor orders completed in 2000-2001 was higher than in many other authorities and orders werecompleted more quickly.The Council has observer links with the Northern Partnership for provision of criminal justiceservices. There is collaboration with the other two Islands on strategic planning and qualityassurance. Joint training has been introduced across the whole Partnership. Staff have on-lineaccess to the Criminal Justice Social Work Development Centre, and make use of approachesdeveloped by other, larger authorities.The Scottish Executive’s risk assessment guidance framework (RAGF) is used to assist appropriatetargeting of intervention. The low numbers involved limit formal evaluation, but performance isactively monitored through supervision.Partnership with SACRO enables a range of services to be delivered including a four-bedsupported accommodation service. A lottery funded CROP project provides people on communityservice and supervised attendance with work placements, producing fresh vegetables andflowers for older people, homes and day centres. A Care and Respect drink-drive programmerun jointly with the police is well established and shows positive results. It also underpins theStreetwise Safe Driving Education Scheme for secondary school pupils. The mediation andreparation scheme for young offenders age up to 17 draws on SACRO’s national experienceand uses their local base. SACRO staff support the provision of gender-appropriate services forwomen offenders and provide additional capacity when departmental staff are committedelsewhere.197