Karyn McCluskey

The directory aims to provide sheriffs, defence agents, the Crown Office and social workers with information on local and national specialist and voluntary sector support in every local authority area across Scotland. It is hoped this will help with quickly identifying effective, community-based solutions when someone is being sentenced in court.

Many organisations across Scotland support communities by tackling the underlying causes of crime and work with individuals to help reduce re-offending. The Community Interventions and Support Directory aims to provide information on these vital services and what’s available in specific areas. 

The directory lists community interventions – which are actions a court can take which include sentences such as community payback orders, drug treatment and testing orders, structured deferred sentences and other measures such as bail supervision and third sector programmes, available in each local authority area.

Karyn McCluskey, chief executive of Community Justice Scotland, said: “How can sheriffs, defence lawyers, the prosecution and social workers make the best decisions for those in the justice system if they don’t have access to the most up-to-date information? We’ve created a new directory that gives them easy access to what’s available for the person standing in front of them so they can come up with community-based solutions.

“Increasing confidence in community sentencing is vital if we want to reduce reoffending and make Scotland safer. This new directory will help ensure more people in the justice system receive the community support and court interventions needed to help them move towards a more positive future.”

Defence lawyer Iain Smith, a partner at Livingston-based Keegan Smith, said: “This directory is an important resource because the range and type of services can vary widely across the country so it’s vital that sheriffs and justices of the peace know what’s available in each area.

“It can also help defence agents because if they’re aware of charitable services or clubs that could support their clients they can promote these to them and be proactive in assisting their recovery. Signposting is not onerous and is an appropriate and compassionate response to knowing a person’s pain.”

The directory will particularly help new sheriffs, ‘floating’ sheriffs who sit in different courts where required, those in virtual courts or covering large areas, to keep track of available options to make use of skills and expertise in specific local authorities.