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10. Summary and Forward Plans
10.1 As previously stated it appears MAPPA will grow and develop over the past year and there have been significant achievements.
- The management of over 500 offenders through all levels of MAPPA arrangements.
- Development of Northern Strategic Management Group (see 9.2)
- MAPPA maintained an active approach at obtaining preventative measures limiting how serious offenders operate.
- Training in both risk assessment skills for operational staff and managers and chair training for key managers in the role of MAPPA chair
- Improved focus when reviewing the management of offenders through the adoption of a standard approach to the organisation of MAPPA meetings
- Extended roll-out of the VISOR data base locally and that of both the health service and SPS within single points of contact.
- Implementation of Identified Public Protection Units with each police Division within Northern Constabulary and the further integration of its central offender management unit and the MAPPA Co-ordination Team.
- Appointment of the SOLO post within the Highlands and the three Island Authorities as well as Aberdeenshire Council
- The implementation of minimum data entry standards for Vi SOR agreed by A.D.S.W.
10.2 In addition to establishing clear strategic oversight arrangements, the key areas for MAPPA agencies in the year ahead are likely to be:
- Strengthening links with other partners such as Victim Support agencies and Local Authority Sex Offender Liaison.
- To strengthen and consolidate Duty to Co-operate agencies engagement with the MAPPA Strategic Management Group.
- The ongoing implementation of the MAPPA guidance - version 5 is expected late 2009.
- To establish a serious case review process, predominately for offenders who commit a further serious offence.
- To continually review the thresholds for MAPPA Levels
- Identify and actively market joint training opportunities that will benefit MAPPA agencies and assist with closer partnership working as well as a clearer understanding of agency remits.
- The RMA is currently engaged in developing a Violent Offender framework and definitions
- Promote regular inter-agency meetings to share best practice and aim for all agencies in all areas to work towards consistency
- To continue actively promoting the work of MAPPA to increase public awareness and confidence in the system, and to build on national and local best practice.
- To interact and information share with partner public protection agencies.
- To develop a diversity strategy, ensuring equal access and treatment for all groups and persons
- Extend the operational use of Vi SOR and receiving additional management monitoring reports to assist the process of review.
- Extend awareness of MAPPA
- The introduction of Revised National Objectives & Standards for CJS will be implemented during 09/10 with 3 key outcomes:
- Community safety and public protection
- The reduction of re-offending
- Social inclusion to support desistance from crime
- The new standards will set out a practice framework for CJSWS which supports the attainment of these outcomes and will underpin CJSWS input into sex offenders
10.3 There is no doubt that the advent of MAPPA continues to improve communication and strengthen working relationships throughout the Northern CJA area between partners working in offender management. However, it is also necessary for MAPPA's to adapt to change and continue to improve performance across agencies. This section details some of the key areas of focus for Northern CJAMAPPA in the forthcoming year:
- First Scottish MAPPA Conference to be held in Edinburgh Late 2009
- Local protocols for establishing juvenile offenders within MAPPA where risk is paramount are to be established within the Highlands & Islands in consultation with partners from children's services.
- The results of the multi agency thematic inspection of the Management of High Risk of Harm Offenders will help MAPPA and the Responsible Authorities to improve practice.
- Scottish Courts - Introduction of SOPO at point of conviction.
- Discussing with the Responsible Authorities a further level of information sharing to be made available to housing providers in order for staff to assist in the management of offenders within their communities as described in the NASSO.
- Working with Highland Council Business Support staff in developing a recording mechanism linked to the housing information system (Mapping) that will provide relevant information to the SOLO in relation to the location of offenders in order to monitor future tenancy changes as described in the NASSO.
- Current scoping exercises are underway with the prospect that Violent offenders with soon come under the auspices of MAPPA. Northern CJA will await their introduction and will forward plan effectively when guidance has been issued.
- A Disclosure Pilot is underway in Tayside (9 months) and MAPPA will await the results and Scottish Government decision whether to roll this out across Scotland.
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