What changes, if any, have been made to pre-sentence reports or advice to courts to ensure the existence and circumstances of dependent children are consistently identified and recorded?

Answer

I am advised that since 2024, it has been mandatory for Probation Officers to document the presence of children and or vulnerable adult dependants on a person’s pre-sentence report. Corrections IT system will also not allow a pre-sentence report to be finalised without further information being included if it is noted a person has dependants. I am further advised that guidance was changed in 2024 outlining the need for staff to ensure a person is aware of all sentencing options, preparing them for the possibility of a custodial sentence, and supporting them to make arrangements for the care of any dependant.