OFFENDERS

Counselling sessions

Normally the first session with a counsellor will last 60-90 minutes. During this session the counsellor will begin to help you understand your concerns and work out where you want to be. Follow-up sessions typically last up to 60 minutes

 

Reports and confidentiality

Written reports on attendance and on general progress, whilst maintaining personal confidentiality, will be sent to the referring agent each month. Where appropriate additional meetings involving all parties may be called, where there are concerns about progress. A final written report will be submitted to the referring agent towards the end of the referral period.

If requested we can also provide written reports to your lawyer, who will be charged a fee for this.

 

Attendance

If there is agreement that the client will enter the service, they will be expected to attend on a weekly basis for a fixed period (usually depending on the original court sentence). The client will be assigned to a specialist counsellor who will work with them on a one-to-one basis. As part of the normal counselling process the counsellor will work to establish a trusting relationship and to support them to work towards their personal solution.

Who can use our offenders’ service?

We accept referrals from local Social Work Offender Teams or Aftercare Services, Sheriff Court or Procurator Fiscal for offenders with alcohol-related problems. Offenders are normally referred via deferred sentencing, probation or as part of a prison aftercare service. We liaise closely with referring agents and also with other specialist services where appropriate.

 

What can I expect?

There are three main aims to the service:

1. To modify the client’s knowledge and attitudes towards alcohol and related behaviours with particular emphasis on offending.

2. Where appropriate to prevent the development of serious alcohol related problems

3. Help the client deal with his / her drinking behaviour

Offenders referred to our service will receive a full assessment of their needs and also of their willingness to participate in the service. A written assessment report will be sent to the referring agent.