Community justice stories

• Left school unable to read and write with confidence.
• No formal qualifications.
• Minimal work experience.

• In receipt of Employment Support Allowance.
• No tenancy or benefit issues.
• Volunteers and attends groups on a regular basis gaining skills for future employment.

Began drinking and using cannabis with peer from the age of 14, speed and acid used recreationally. In 1998, she discovered that her partner was abusing Valium and heroin. On his instruction, she smoked heroin and provided a ‘dirty sample’, in order to get a methadone prescription. Although the methadone was meant for her boyfriend, she quickly became addicted, progressing on to heroin.

Over the last four years, Alice has been in receipt of a methadone prescription (apart from a one month period after providing a ‘dirty sample’). She has achieved her longest period of stability, although was candid with regards to her occasional use of heroin and Valium at times of stress. Her long-term plan is to reduce her Methadone prescription over time and to become clean of illegal and illicit drug use. Alice has weekly drug tests, to motivate her.

Consistently failed to adhere to court orders and consequently accrued a large number of breach offences. She failed to engage with Criminal Justice Services in any meaningful way.

Regularly attends and participates in groups including, cooking and crafts.

Alice often attends at the Glen Isla Project 3-5 times a week; this is either to show how well she is doing or to seek support for specific things. Her engagement is very good and she has shown prolonged periods of ‘being in a good place’ in respect of he mental health.

• Volatile and sporadic relationships with her mother and siblings.
• Minimal contact with her daughter, who struggled with Alice’s presentation and instability.

• On going contact with her mother.
• Maintaining family relationships, close and regular contact with her sister and brother.
• On-going contact with her daughter.

Born with one kidney for which Alice received hospital treatment in childhood. Has suffered from migraines from a young age; describes regular and unexpectedly falling asleep in class and collapsing. After a collapse in childhood, suffering a head injury; resulting in memory loss and concussion. Suffered from hepatitis C and had major dental issues, due to ongoing drug misuse.

• No longer hepatitis C positive.
• No outstanding physical health needs.
• Reduced contact due to progress.
• Attends appointments much more regularly.
• New full set of dentures.

Was first referred to Clinical Psychology when she was 13 years old, was again referred in 2003, Sept 2013, and Feb 2016. Each time disengaging with little if any progress made.

Stated she ‘gave up’, hating her life when her daughter was taken into paternal grandparent care. She has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and was prescribed medication for these.

Re-referred to Psychology service in August 2017 and has since begun attending regularly and is on a course of therapy addressing past trauma.

• Formal convictions in all but four years since the age of 14 years.
• Current convictions are for Breaching Bail conditions, Theft by Shoplifting and Breach Of the Peace.
• Previous convictions include breaching Probation Orders, Resisting Arrest, Theft, Assault, failure to attend Diets, breaching Bail Conditions, Attempting to Pervert the Course of Justice and Breaching a Restriction of Liberty Order.

• No new offences since December 2016.
• Complying with supervising officer’s instruction.