A SCHEME to support people to change their behaviour after being convicted of a crime will be rolled out across East Lothian.

Structured deferred sentences (SDS) are aimed at people over the age of 18 who are deemed to be at low or medium risk of reoffending.

An SDS provides a short period of focused intervention with the aim of meeting “the assessed criminogenic and non-criminogenic needs of the individual”.

To meet the eligibility criteria, the individual must have a less entrenched pattern of offending, be at a lower risk of custody, have identified needs relating to offending behaviour, and not be subject to a statutory order.

East Lothian justice social work team is now able to offer SDS to people post-conviction and prior to final sentencing.

Julie Morton, service manager for justice social work services, said: “Structured deferred sentences truly focus on the welfare needs of the individual.

“It aims to address the root causes for why individuals offend, identify their underlying risks and needs, and give them the support necessary to make positive change.

“As well as providing a personal benefit to the individual, SDS help to avoid short-term sentences and, in the long run, aim to keep people away from the justice system.”

The aim of an SDS is to build the person’s motivation and capacity for positive change, reducing the frequency or seriousness of their offending behaviour and, where possible, avoiding premature or unnecessary intensive periods of supervision in the community.

The rollout of SDS has been trialled in areas including Falkirk, Ayrshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth.

Research from these trials has shown that, by providing support and intervention at an earlier stage, individuals are more likely to make changes in their behaviour.

SDS can be used to undertake a specific piece of work with an individual focused on areas of intervention need.

These are discussed with the individual and an action plan is co-produced to target their specific areas of risk and needs.

Fiona Wilson, chief officer of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We’re really pleased to be introducing this alternative means of structured intervention that puts the care, wellbeing and emotion needs of an individual first.

“This pathway has been proven to be of benefit to many individuals across the country.

“We hope that by having SDS available as a sentencing offering in East Lothian, it will have a positive impact for our residents who come into contact with the justice system and assist them on their road to recovery.”