Evaluation of Community Payback Orders, Criminal Justice Social Work Reports and the Presumption Against Short Sentences

This document describes an evaluation of various aspects of the Scottish criminal justice system, including Community Payback Orders (CPOs), Criminal Justice Social Work Reports (CJSWRs), and the Presumption Against Short Sentences (PASS). The evaluation, conducted by multiple research entities, utilized a range of methods such as logic models, national data analysis, surveys, and interviews. It found that while CPOs have increased confidence in community penalties, there are issues with the quality and length of CJSWRs and public perception of CPOs. The new CJSWR template has improved report consistency but also highlighted the need for better risk analysis and training for report writers. Challenges in implementing unpaid work components of CPOs were identified, including suitability assessments and the inconsistent use of the 'other activity' element. The evaluation also noted the misuse of Conduct Requirements in CPOs, suggesting a need for clearer guidelines. Overall, the document recommends ongoing training, clearer guidance, and improved communication to enhance the effectiveness of these interventions in the criminal justice system. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: The Scottish Government (The Scottish Government)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Other
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: March 2015

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes