Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in Scotland: National Overview Report 2024-2025

5. MAPPA in Operation

MAPPA partner agencies work together to help reduce the risk posed by individuals and to keep the public safe. Managing that risk is a complex task and involves the coming together of Local Authorities, SPS, Police, Housing and Health – in conjunction with Duty to Cooperate (DTC) agencies and other third sector organisations. The successful operation of MAPPA is dependent on the cooperation, coordination and collaboration of all the partner agencies.

The case studies below offer a snapshot of some of the work undertaken by MAPPA regions over the reporting period, providing demonstrable real-life examples of multi-agency partnership working which helps keep the public safe. Through alert and active management, MAPPA partners manage the risk of harm to the public - which also includes, providing support to victims, and managing the complex needs of vulnerable offenders by providing stability to reduce the risk they pose, which in turn helps to reduce reoffending rates.

Case Study 1

Lanarkshire

Person A is subject to an Order of Lifelong Restriction (OLR) for contact sexual offences. He has complex and comorbid diagnoses of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD) – with diagnoses of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities (ID), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Tourette’s Syndrome. This manifests itself in behaviours such as a high level of impulsivity and lack of social boundaries.

Person A was released directly from prison in May 2024 with a 24/7 Intensive Support Package (ISP) delivered by SACRO to reflect his high level of risk and complex needs.

The Risk Management Plan (RMP) developed for Person A involves a wide range of services working closely together, including: Justice Social Work; SACRO; Community Learning and Disability Team (CLDT); Forensic Psychology; Police and Adults Social Work. He has daily support from SACRO; twice weekly appointments with Justice Social Work; weekly sessions with CLDT and fortnightly support from Forensic Psychology. There are two weekly Risk Management Planning Meetings (RMPMs) to co-ordinate and direct this support, and SACRO provide daily observations for all partners. While Justice Social Work focus on risk management and compliance with his licence; CLDT support him with improving his independent living skills, and psychology’s primary focus is on his self-control and emotional regulation. Adults Social Work have arranged a capacity assessment and ensure his day-to-day social care needs are met.

This approach over the last 12 months has led to Person A gradually becoming better able to cope in the community and learn how to interact with others. The gradual progress being made has meant the 24/7 package has been slowly decreased and it is on track to reduce to 12 hours a day – representing a considerable decrease given the level of risk and complexity. While a high level of monitoring and support is required, Person A is displaying an ability to manage himself appropriately and he has been supported to reintegrate into the community whilst reducing risk to the public.

Case Study 2

Grampian

The partner of an RSO (Person B) fell pregnant with his child. Person B was known to justice agencies for offences against children (including familial) and was managed at MAPPA level 1. Given the associated safeguarding concerns, the case was raised to MAPPA level 2.

Child protection procedures were instigated by local Children and Families Social Work, and JSW attempted to engage with Person B, offering support and programme work. Despite these efforts, both he and his partner were non-engaging and resistant.

Subsequent intelligence sharing revealed that the partner had travelled to mainland Europe, with Person B denying all knowledge of this. However, enquiries indicated he was preparing to join his partner and there were considerable concerns among MAPPA partners around the safety of the unborn child.

A number of multi-agency actions were undertaken, involving Police Scotland, local CFSW and JSW, NHS, COPFS, European Police, European Prosecution services, the Passport Office, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the International Child Protection Team of Scottish Government.

The partner was subsequently traced by European Police, and found to have given birth. Social Services within the country of birth were alerted and, following the granting of a court order, the child was placed in foster care there, with supervised visits permitted.

As a consequence of effective identification of risk and subsequent multi-agency action and co-operation across international boundaries, appropriate safeguarding measures were implemented.

Case Study 3

North Strathclyde

Person C was sentenced in 2019 to 4 years imprisonment plus 4 years extended sentence. He was sentenced for serious sexual offences against a female previously unknown to him, with elements of his behaviour suggesting the crime was premeditated. This was his third conviction for sexual offences against unknown adult females.

He was released in 2023 at which time his risk of causing further serious harm was assessed as very high due to his sexual preoccupation, learning disability, limited social skills, homeless status and the destabilising impact of the recent death of his mother.

It was consequently agreed by MAPPA partners that he should be managed at MAPPA level 3 on release from prison. Detailed risk assessment and effective information sharing between MAPPA partners enabled the formulation of a robust risk management plan and allowed the implementation of a comprehensive support and safeguarding package around Person C on release.

Working together with the local authority, MAPPA partners were able to identify suitable accommodation and secure 24-hour support from SACRO. Through regular MAPPA meetings and continued effective information sharing, additional services were identified and work continued with Person C to influence positive lifestyle changes whilst thoughtful communication with his family secured their support and contribution to improving his social skills and reducing his isolation.

As Person C’s MAPPA management progressed, positive changes were noted in his behaviours. Following a period at level 3 he was reduced to MAPPA Level 2 and his assessed risk of serious harm reduced to high, then medium. Support from SACRO has been reduced proportionately to the assessment of risk whilst he has continued to engage with MAPPA partners and the range of support services. He has not reoffended and whilst he continues to be managed at level 2, is now assessed as medium risk and continues to show improving behaviours.

The work conducted by the various MAPPA partners with this individual not only reduced the risk posed but also improved his ability to reintegrate in the community.

Case Study 4

Glasgow

Person A had evidenced a deterioration that was inconsistent with his known presentation and behaviours. As a direct result of information sharing/collaboration amongst agencies involved in risk management, the emergence of concerns led to MAPPA partners revisiting risk assessments – resulting in an increase in the MAPPA management level of Person A, and as a consequence, an increased level of MAPPA oversight. Responsible authorities and duty to cooperate partners have evidenced common objectives in their commitment to Person A’s risk management by collaboratively developing a responsive management plan to mitigate risks identified. This case illustrates effectiveness in partnership working with strong evidence of defined roles and responsibilities and a shared understanding of the importance of multi-agency collaboration in effective risk coordination and management.

Case Study 5

SouthWest Scotland

Person B’s case was referred to the MAPPA Coordinator for consideration at level 2 management in the community. This was accepted due to the serious offending nature and ongoing risk of further harm posed. There have been multiple agencies involved in the management of the case, which has led to the development of a robust and proportionate risk management plan, which aimed to not only prevent the public from harm but to also support Person B. The case has been reduced from level two, high risk, to level one, medium risk, and with no instances of further sexual offending while under management. This has been possible due to the assistance provided by MAPPA agencies and the drive to ensure that all avenues have been explored to assist Person B in the community - in particular, assisting them to advocate for their mental health and supporting them in sustaining their accommodation, which is a major factor in ensuring stability. MAPPA agencies have also worked closely with duty to cooperate agencies around employment opportunities to support Person B in developing future career prospects.

Case Study 6

Tayside

A strong multi-disciplinary approach is in place to support Person C, who is subject to MAPPA due to sexual offending. He is deemed a medium risk of causing serious harm and MAPPA meetings occur every 6 months for him. Person C has a learning disability with a recent diagnosis of autism. He is currently open to services including psychiatry, forensic nursing, occupational therapy, learning disability social work, Police Scotland and justice social work. This team meets every six weeks for a structured multi-agency meeting, chaired by his justice social worker to review his situation, co-ordinate care, and maintain a robust risk management plan which then feeds back to his MAPPA meetings. This ensures a balanced approach that supports Person C to live safely in the community while prioritising public protection. In addition to formal meetings, the team maintains regular contact, enabling prompt information sharing and swift action when any concerns arise regarding Person C’s wellbeing or behaviour.

Case Study 7

Fife

Community Based Social Worker (CBSW) had established a professional working relationship with the Personal Officer (PO) of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) assigned to an RSO nominee (Person A), who was detained at HMP Castle Huntly. Person A was part of an increasing, ageing population within SPS and presented with additional support needs.

Person A was due for release on parole. He presents with a complex combination of both physical and cognitive needs, which pose significant daily challenges. Upon allocation of the case to the PO, it was evident from the outset that the PO was committed to supporting Person A and to ensuring that his needs were effectively addressed during his time at Castle Huntly.

This commitment was demonstrated through the PO supporting Person A’s access to the community via attendance at community-based supervision appointments, providing both support and reassurance. Such appointments offered him the opportunity to participate in the supervision process prior to his eventual release. During a supervision session within Person A’s local authority, the PO shared concerns with the CBSW (community based social work) regarding the realities of Person A’s experience at Castle Huntly, particularly regarding his capacity to manage safely in his own accommodation post-release.

The information shared by the PO revealed the true extent of the support Person A was receiving in prison and it was evident that living alone would not be safe for him. Upon further investigation it was revealed that Person A was receiving comprehensive informal support from SPS staff, fellow prisoners, and staff members within the establishment—support that was effectively masking his needs.

Following this discovery, the CBSW promptly liaised with professionals who had previously closed Person A’s case, requesting a reconsideration of the level of support he was entitled to. A multidisciplinary meeting was organised at Castle Huntly, attended by the PO and colleagues from the Older People’s Team, Kirkcaldy. The PO also facilitated a tour of Person A’s current accommodation, which helped inform professional assessments of his housing needs post-release.

Given the comprehensive information provided by the PO, it was assessed that a 24-hour care facility would offer the safest environment for Person A. Following his release, he was allocated a place within a care facility and has settled well into his new environment.

Person A is now safe, with his physical and emotional needs being met. Without the PO’s efforts in raising concerns and sharing critical information, the potential for community-based risks to go unrecognised would have increased, potentially leading to less favourable outcomes for Person A.