In response to the Criminal Justice Social Work figures 2016-17, released today, Karyn McCluskey, Chief Executive of Community Justice Scotland, said:
“There is great practice happening all across Scotland but we need to recognise it, evaluate it and scale it up.
We are dealing with complicated people, with the most complex needs, and we know they are more likely to change their lives if they’re supported in the community.
Figures can always be improved and we need to get better at looking at how health, addiction services and housing all contribute to people completing their sentence.
Scotland must strive for smarter justice based on the best evidence of what works for those who offend, their families and our communities.”