Ensure priority cohorts receive written short format report
For service users who have not already been identified earlier in the PSR before plea process.
The pilot has agreed with the Judiciary (via the Senior Presiding Judge) , HMCTS, MoJ Policy and the Probation Service that certain cohorts of service users would benefit from the delivery of a written Short Format report, even if this requires adjourning, (for up to five working days).
This approach would enable the probation service to focus resources on service users that present with more complex needs and formulate a robust and realistic sentencing proposal, taking into account the victim’s perspective, desistance and public protection. Whilst the Judiciary will form its own independent view for sentencing, having more detailed information may assist with this decision.
Priority cohorts
Female service users
Female service users typically have complex needs which require more time to address.
Research suggests that women have some specific needs and factors which link to risk of harm and re-offending, and that these are different than those of men (Better Outcomes for Women service users, 2015).
Work on Trauma Informed approaches supports the view that practice needs to be both gender and trauma informed in order to enable better outcomes for women who offend.
Women form a small proportion of the people who come through the Criminal Justice System, we do them a disservice if we assume that their needs are the same as men in the system. Likewise, not all women are the same.
Young adult service users (18-25)
Minister Frazer and the Lord Chancellor have a keen interest in preventing young adults (aged 18 – 25 years) from entering the custodial estate where possible and, of course, without risk to public protection. There is also the added complexity of understanding a young person’s maturity, which can also impact the recommendations from the Probation Service.
Young adults are likely to respond differently to interventions and service user management than older adults as a result of maturity levels and a differing set of priorities.
The age range 18-20 years has been identified as a key point in the path of a service user where the development of a positive, non-criminal identity and vision of the future can be most influenced. Therefore, getting the right rehabilitative approach is essential.
Whilst the age of 18 -20 has been identified as key point for young people, the pilot has broadened this range to 18-24.
Information elsewhere
The following films illustrate the important considerations when sentencing Young Adults.
Service users at risk of a short custodial sentence
Evidence demonstrates that short custodial sentences can exacerbate the risk of reoffending and can reduce the impact of positive protective factors that can ultimately help reduce re-offending. Therefore, the pilot is wanting to provide additional information on the social impacts of an immediate custodial sentence and any self-defeating consequences that may result from parental imprisonment (Prisoners childhood and family background).
As with any sentencing decision it will ultimately rest with the Judiciary, however the pilot is advocating that where cases cross the custody threshold, but immediate custody in not inevitable, this additional information may assist the court in reaching their decision.