Scottish Drugs Forum
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1 July 2004
Non-custodial, community-based disposals tackling underlying causes of offending behaviour - including problem drug-use - are key to reducing re-offending in Scotland, according to Scottish Drugs Forum.
In its submission to the Scottish Executive's consultation, Reduce, Rehabilitate, Reform, SDF says that co-ordinated community based treatment and rehabilitation services are the way forward to tackling the issue.
"All the recent evidence from this country and abroad points to community based drug treatment services as the most effective method (and least expensive) of reducing drug related crime.
"Breaking the cycle of drug dependence, crime and imprisonment would clearly go a long way towards substantially reducing the prison population. Similarly positive responses to addressing drug dependence are proven to reduce crime and re-offending rates.
"Fundamentally, drug problems and related crime need to be viewed from a social perspective as they remain rooted in our most deprived communities. Addressing the social problems of these communities must therefore, we consider, be a fundamental part of the overall response to tackling drugs and crime.
"Specific criminal justice measures aimed at responding to problematic drug use are likely to succeed only if they are part of a package of measures that include prescribing services, needle exchange, counselling and support, education and training opportunities and supported accommodation.
"In further developing alternatives to custody SDF would strongly argue that such provision must be "rehabilitative" in nature addressing longer terms goals of giving purpose to peoples lives beyond drug use. That requires socially based programmes and in particular education and training programmes aimed at increasing employability.
"We would, however, take issue with the presumption that such programmes must be provided through the criminal justice system. SDF considers that there is enough evidence that effective integrated treatment, care and rehabilitation programmes can deliver positive change in individuals and reduce offending behaviour thereby reducing crime and these need not necessarily be attached to the criminal justice system.
"The key here is to ensure that we deliver what works both for the individual and society and to convince the Scottish public that effectiveness in reducing crime is the major priority. A strong lead from Scottish Executive Ministers to that effect would be very much welcomed."
The SDF submission also states that the criminal justice response needs to be much more integrated to be fully effective so that not only does Scottish Prison Service work in tandem with social work services but NHS, education and voluntary sector become full partners and not simply "add ons".
The 90-day consultation period ended in June. A summary of responses will be published later in the year.
The Executive says that the outcome will inform Ministers thinking on actions that require to be taken to improve criminal justice services in Scotland to provide "safer, stronger communities."