Guidance for Social Work Services on Determining the Designated Local Authority for Prisoners
March 2026
This guidance has been developed by Social Work Scotland and the Scottish Prison Service with reference to the Scottish Government Justice Social Work Services: national throughcare guidance (March 2026) and the statutory duties set out within the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993 and associated guidance. It is intended to support social work staff in determining the appropriate designated local authority for individuals in custody.
