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National Objectives for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System: Standards - General Issues
CHAPTER 7: MONITORING AND EVALUATION
108.From 1 April 1991 Central Government commenced the monitoring and evaluation of the management and delivery of those criminal justice social work services which are subject to 100% funding. These services include probation, Community Service, SERs and related reports, court based social work, supervised attendance orders, pilot bail and diversion from prosecution schemes and throughcare including parole and social work in prisons.
109.SWSG's implementation strategy comprises:
109.1A professional and financial audit of services;
109.2A programme of research.
The Professional and Financial Audit of Services
110.SWSG undertakes professional audits and criminal justice social work services in Scotland to fulfil its monitoring and evaluation responsibilities. The audit comprises (a) an analysis of statistical material; (b) a programme of inspection visits; and (c) periodic visits to review financial arrangements.
Analysis of Statistical Material
111.SWSG are responsible for the creation and maintenance of a national core data system as a key element of its evaluation strategy and as a basis for its analysis of statistical material.
111.1The core data system is designed to support:
111.1.1An analysis of the impact of National Objectives, Priorities and Standards on the level of custody and on the use of community based social work disposals and services;
111.1.2.National and local oversight of service provision including compliance with National Standards, resource planning and quality control.
111.2The core data system collects and analyses information from:
111.2.1Local authorities; and
111.2.2National and other sources
111.3The detailed form and content of the core data system is determined in consultation with COSLA and other interested parties.
112.SWSG will publish and distribute an annual Statistical Bulletin containing collated national and regional information in relation to the 100% funded services. This will be published within 9 months of the end of the calendar year to which is relates and will incorporate the current Community Service Bulletin.
113.Local authorities are required to provide Central Government with:
113.1Agreed statistical returns in relation to the 100% funded services is provides or procures; and
113.2Agreed information on key performance indicators, incorporating the current separate Community Service report, as an integral part of their strategic plans.
114.SWSG will continue to undertake a programme of inspection visits as an integral part of its professional audit.
114.1The subject, timing and form of these inspections will be determined after consultation with COSLA;
114.2The arrangements already agreed with COSLA in relation to the inspection of criminal justice social work services in Scotland will form the basis for discussion with COSLA about any new arrangements.
The Programme of Research
115.The Scottish Office continues to undertake through the Central Research Unit and external researchers a full evaluation of the impact and implementation of the arrangements arising from the 100% funding. This is a separate exercise from SGSW's ongoing professional audit outlined below.
116.The research will consist of research into the impact of 100% funding arrangements on the effectiveness of community based social work disposals and services in assisting offenders to lead law-abiding lives and in prevention or reduction of re-offending.
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