The Probation Inspectorate said it is particularly concerned that a desire to avoid delays during court proceedings is taking priority over gathering vital information related to the safety of children.
Its inspection of probation services in the capital found that courts are proceeding with sentencing before children's services are able to respond to requests for information relating to child safety.
The inspectorate said such information could have a significant impact on sentencing and help probation services ensure that children's safety is taken into account.
"Court officers asked children's social care services for information about a case, knowing that they were unlikely to receive a response within the time available at court and the case would proceed to sentence the same day," the inspectorate's report into the effectiveness of probation work in the capital states.
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