Community justice expert group holds first meeting

Humza Yousaf

Senior leaders from justice, health, local government and social work will identify and coordinate action to further strengthen community justice services and alternatives to custody. They will also focus on increasing public and judicial confidence in community justice by demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf will co-chair the group with councillor Kelly Parry, COSLA’s communities and wellbeing spokesperson.

Mr Yousaf said: “Our goal is to change attitudes and support a wider cultural shift that goes beyond simply increasing the proportion of sentences served in the community. We need to strengthen delivery and improve confidence in community justice interventions at every stage – from pre-prosecution through to court and post-sentencing, including helping people leaving prison. Clear leadership is required at every level, bringing together the important work already taking place across justice and other services to prevent offending and victimisation.

“Parliament’s backing for the extension of Scotland’s presumption against short prison sentences showed there is already considerable consensus around our evidence-led approach to preventing reoffending. I am looking forward to working with the group to continue driving improvements at pace and scale – ensuring Scotland’s community justice services are the best they can be.”

Ms Parry said: “Most people understand the difficult circumstances of those who get into trouble with the law and many would consider alternatives to prison if that would reduce the chances of reoffending. I welcome the greater emphasis on community alternatives to custody as an alternative which is likely to be more effective. However I recognise that public confidence needs to be developed further in these measures.

“I am pleased that the National Community Justice Leadership Group has been established to take this broad agenda forward under the joint political oversight of the Scottish government and Local government, given the crucial lead role of local authorities in community justice and the role of the public and third sector.”