What its policy is on the care and resettlement of offenders, including offenders from outwith Scotland who have resettled in Scotland foll…

The arrangements relating to the transfer of prisoners between UK and Islands jurisdictions are governed by statute
- the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997
- and apply across the jurisdictions. They enable prisoners to transfer during the custodial part of their sentence, on an unrestricted or restricted basis or to transfer their supervision on licence on release or subsequently. Local authorities have a statutory responsibility for providing a range of social work and associated services to prisoners following release into the community in Scotland. The services are provided to enhance community safety and minimise the risk from offenders, including sex offenders and are governed by National Objectives and Standards for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System. These have been supplemented by additional guidance on the operation of the provisions in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which allow courts to impose extended sentences, thus providing additional post-release supervision for violent or sex offenders where necessary. Offenders who are not subject to statutory supervision following release, can receive voluntary assistance in the form of advice, guidance and assistance from the local authorities on release from custody. The aim is to provide a range of supportive services to offenders to assist in the reintegration into the community and reduce the risk of re-offending.