Supporting change, preventing reoffending

Our Justice Service supports people to turn their lives around, change behaviour and prevent reoffending.

Structured Deferred Sentence

A Structured Deferred Sentence is a court order used when a person is convicted of an offence, but before final sentencing. It typically lasts between 3 to 6 months. It provides structured social work support to address underlying issues contributing to offending behaviour.

These issues may include:

• drug or alcohol use
• financial difficulties
• relationships with friends and family
• attitudes to offending

A justice social worker works with you and other services to achieve positive changes. If successful, the court may issue a lower sentence or admonish you completely (give a verbal warning).

Bail Supervision

Bail Supervision is available for people from the Aberdeenshire area appearing at Aberdeen, Banff, or Peterhead Sheriff Courts. It supports those who might struggle to comply with regular bail conditions or community sentences due to underlying needs, and who are at risk of being remanded in custody or sentenced to prison.

Before Bail Supervision is granted, an assessment of suitability is done, and a report is given to the court by our Justice Social Work team. The assessment considers the nature of charges and any outstanding charges, including:

• breaches of bail
• public and witness protection
• any areas of the person's life where they need support during the bail period
• willingness to agree with bail and supervised bail conditions

As part of the Bail Supervision, the person must go to a set number of appointments with a justice social worker each week, as well as appointments with any other services to address identified needs. The period of supervision lasts until the court deals with the offence the person has been charged with or decides they no longer need Bail Supervision.

Electronic Monitoring

Electronic monitoring can be used with Bail, a Community Payback Order at first disposal, or with temporary release from prison. It means that some people who would previously have been remanded to custody can be managed and monitored in the community, via an electronic tag.

Our Justice Service assesses and considers if Electronic Monitoring should be used. This is part of a Bail assessment when a person is appearing at court from Police custody.

Caledonian System

The Caledonian System is a behaviour programme for men convicted of domestic abuse offences and support services for their partners and children. It aims to reduce the risk of reoffending, while supporting women and children. In Aberdeenshire it is managed by our Justice Service.

Men's Programme

The Men’s Programme encourages men to recognise their abuse and take responsibility for themselves and their relationships. It is aimed at men, 18 years or over, who have been convicted of a domestic abuse related offence to a female partner or ex-partner. The programme is usually run in a group of up to 8 men but can be offered on a one to one basis if needed.

Women's Service

The Women's Service offers emotional and practical support, safety planning advice, risk assessment and advocacy to female partners and ex-partners of men referred to the Men's Programme. It aims to reduce the risk to women and their children, and to improve women's social and emotional wellbeing. It is a voluntary service.

Children's Service

The Children’s Service offers support to children and young people whose father or mother's partner or ex-partner is on the Men's Programme. This service works closely with Children’s Services to prevent further harm.

More information about the Caledonian System is available on the Scottish Government's website.

Throughcare Services

Throughcare Services provide support during a sentence to help people who have been in prison to prepare for release. They are aimed at community supervision and support of people released from prison on supervised statutory licences such as non-parole, parole, life licence, extended sentence.

People not released on supervision, usually those who have served shorter sentences, are offered advice and support on a voluntary basis to help break the cycle of offending and improve community integration.