Reducing Reoffending….working towards an effective alternative to prison:
The Scottish Government is committed to finding effective ways to stop the revolving door of reoffending.
Prisons will always be the right place for some offenders but evidence shows that short term prison sentences for lesser offences are simply not effective at reducing reoffending.
We believe there is a real alternative based on tough community sentencing combined with actions to address the root causes of an individual's offending.
Phase I
In 2009, the Scottish Government announced a more coordinated approach to the issue with the launch of Phase I of the Reducing Reoffending Programme.
This has now been completed and saw many notable successes including the implementation of the Community Payback Order, over 1800 of which were imposed in its first five months alone, and the Whole Systems Approach for young people.
Partners across the justice system, health, local government and education have all worked together to put the foundations in place to reduce reoffending and move Scotland towards a real and effective alternative to prison.
Phase II
There remain strong reasons for doing even more to reduce reoffending and so work is now well underway to develop Reducing Reoffending Programme Phase II. We have carried out an extensive consultation with those who work in community justice, to understand the key priorities for making further progress.
Details of the next phase of work will appear here shortly but, in the meantime, if you want to know more, please contact
Ben Haynes, Reducing Reoffending Programme Manager
Tel. 0131 244 6924 / Ben.Haynes@scotland.gsi.gov.uk