The Access Project is part of Glasgow City Council's Social Work Services, providing assessment reports to courts, social work teams and other agencies. Involvement with individuals referred to the project usually lasts for 13 weeks, during which time needs are assessed through a robust assessment framework.
The project offers a multi-disciplinary assessment on individuals referred by courts, social work service teams and other agencies.
In all cases, referred individuals are assessed for a programme to meet their mental health and other needs and to positively influence their offending behaviour.
A report on progress is provided to the referring agency on completion of involvement
Services offered
Client group
The project works with individuals in the criminal justice system who are known to have, or suspected of, a mental illness. The project operates a diversion from prosecution scheme in conjunction with the procurator fiscal. Clients with learning disabilities as well as those perceived as being vulnerable can be referred. Vulnerable clients often have unrecognised mental health needs.
Social Enquiry Report for court
This process contributes to the assessment of offenders with known or suspected mental health problems and to the assessment of associated risks. Ideally, assessment and intervention takes place throughout a 13 week period during which time the allocated worker will work with the individual to identify and access relevant services to stabilise any mental health difficulties. A report on progress, achievements and compliance is provided to the court on completion of the period of involvement.
Consultation
The project offers general consultation and joint work with a range of other agencies in cases of probation, community service and prison throughcare, where there is a mental health concern. Through joint working, the project will identify services to stabilise the issues surrounding the individual’s mental health.
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Diversion from prosecution
The project works in partnership with the procurator fiscal’s department and the Health Board's Douglas Inch Centre to offer a diversion from prosecution for people suspected of having a mental health problem. Involvement lasts for a period of more than 17 weeks. On completion the procurator fiscal will decide whether to procede with or waive charges.
Mental health awareness training
The project plays an active role in mental health awareness training within criminal justice teams throughout the city. Currently, this is offered on an annual basis and is targeted to newly qualified staff.
Contacts
For information about city-wide Criminal Justice services and related Web sites, see useful links page.
For information on how to comment or complain on the service you receive see Your Views.
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