The Council’s Social Work Services Committee (31 March 2016) will hear about a range of successful projects delivered in Dumfries and Galloway as a result of Community Payback Orders.
These include:
• Winter Logs Project
• Horticultural Projects
• Woodwork and Restoration Project
• Beach Clearance
• Art and Craft Work
• Clark’s Little Ark Sanquhar
• General Work
Councillor Ted Thompson, vice-chairman of the Social Work Services Committee, said, “Protecting our most vulnerable people is a priority for our Council. The range and quality of projects delivered through Community Payback Orders overseen by Criminal Justice Social Work is outstanding. They greatly benefit the service users and the wider community.”
Community Payback Orders (CPOs) replaced Community Service Orders, Probation Orders and Supervised Attendance Orders in February 2011. The aim of the Scottish Government was to make community based sentences tougher and more effective. CPOs enable courts to impose one or more of a range of requirements on the offender, such as supervision, unpaid work, behaviour change programme, residence, or alcohol/drug treatment.
The legislative changes also placed on local authorities a duty to submit an annual report to Scottish Ministers, detailing the operation of CPOs. The report must include statistical information, the type of requirements imposed on offenders, and a narrative of the activities and projects carried out in fulfilling their obligations to the courts and communities.
Quotes from service users and people who have benefitted from their unpaid work include:
“My time at Community Payback has been useful to me as I have gained different skills…the activities will mean that I will be helped to make life better for me and my kids.” – female service user
“The CPO is a great way for offenders to give something back to the community.” – male service user
“For me, I was ashamed and embarrassed before I came but now I think it’s a great thing to learn new skills. I will not be seeing you again, which is sad, but never again.” – male service user
“Coming to unpaid work has stopped me from doing any more crime as I hate having to give up my free time when I am not working. I think this service is helpful if you want it to work and better your life.” – female service user
“Thank you for the amazing work carried out in the last few months…I was really taken aback by the effort and professionalism of your staff and service users. Your work has generated praise for your team across the village.” – Katie Nairn, Johnstonebridge Centre and Community Development Trust
“I cannot begin to express the gratitude that I feel for the support that has been given to our little project…I doubt if we would have survived last year without the help from placements and groups. Our animals have new homes and the place is looking wonderful at no cost due to the innovative staff and service users.” – Alison Shankley, Clark’s Little Ark Sanquhar
“Sincere gratitude for the hard work sorting our front garden. Your help has been invaluable and the area is now maintenance free. Staff, neighbours have noticed the improvement.” – Cilla Hetherington, Manager, Mid Annandale Playcare
“Thank you for the great work you have carried out at the Victorian Walk and Newbie Path. The public will once again enjoy the lovely walk along the river.” – Joyce Wylie, chairperson, Annan Community Council
For the full committee report, including the Community Payback Order Annual Report, see agenda item 4:
http://egenda.dumgal.gov.uk/aksdumgal/users/public/admin/kab14.pl?operation=SUBMIT&meet=72&cmte=SWS&grpid=public&arc=71
