Prison-based social work services have reached critical capacity levels across most of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) estate, according to a report released today by the Care Inspectorate.

The report, produced in collaboration with His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Prisons in Scotland, considers the efficiency and effectiveness of prison-based social work practice, specifically the use of the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) assessment and case management planning method.

Inspectors noted that up-to-date assessments of sufficient quality are aiding effective decision-making on how best to meet needs and respond to risk at key stages of a person’s journey through custody. A clear commitment to collaborative working between partners is reflected within SPS decision-making forums and in a range of plans to meet need and respond to risk.

Scotland has one of the highest imprisonment rates in western Europe. The report highlights the impact of the increase in Scotland’s prison population, with limited resources contributing to delays and reducing opportunities for staff to build consistent relationships with people in custody.

Whilst people in custody participate in and contribute to their risk assessments, they generally do not fully understand the purpose of the LS/CMI and what it means for their journey through custody. People in custody in some establishments feel they have very limited time to build relationships with prison-based social workers, despite them having a significant amount of influence on the key decisions that affect them.

People in custody added that regular, good quality engagement with prison-based social workers would be ideal.

Jackie Irvine, Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate, said: “Overall, the findings of this review highlight that partners are striving to deliver on expectations, but there are barriers and constraints resulting from structural pressures, inconsistent application of the language of risk, and a lack of cohesive planning for people throughout custody. As with our phase 1 findings, fundamental reform continues to be required to address the ongoing challenges and provide sustainable solutions.”

Sara Snell, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, said: “Prison-based social workers cannot deliver the improved outcomes sought in this report without additional investment in staffing, in development and supervision as well as in increased numbers.

“Risk assessment and planning for progress throughout the course of a sentence, enabled by supportive relationships with trained and knowledgeable staff, needs to start at the point of sentence.  This enables a more responsive and effective approach to risk over time.  Every prisoner should be able to participate in agreeing a single, co-ordinated plan that determines actions and changes to support a timely safe and supportive release.”

The full report can be read here.

Notes to editors

Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI): a comprehensive risk/need assessment and management planning method for general offending used by justice social work services across Scotland.