Standards & Guidelines

The RMA has a legislative responsibility under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 to prepare and issue guidelines, and set and publish standards to support the assessment and minimisation of risk posed by individuals who offend. The standards promote consistent, evidence-based practice for the key partners working across the criminal justice field and serve as a measure against which practice may be judged.

The standards are published in three key documents:

1. The Framework for Risk Assessment, Management and Evaluation (FRAME) are the agreed standards and guidelines for risk practice in Criminal Justice in Scotland.
2. The Standards and Guidelines for Risk Assessment relate to the preparation of a Risk Assessment Report in cases where an Order for Lifelong Restriction is being considered.
3. The Standards and Guidelines for Risk Management relate to the management of individuals who are subject to an Order for Lifelong Restriction. They have also been developed for the assessment and management of others who presents a risk of serious harm.