Scotland probation plans must improve

A report by Audit Scotland urges the Scottish executive to set a
national standard detailing how often young offenders on probation
should have meetings with social workers.

The report reveals half of young offenders see a social worker only
once a month, and one-fifth only twice a month. This compares with
a national standard for adult offenders on probation which ensures
regular social worker meetings.

More than one-third of children’s case files did not have a
recognisable care plan and a quarter of young adult probation files
did not have an action plan even though both were legal
requirements.

Audit Scotland is calling for these plans to be implemented and
reviewed at specific intervals.