Seven charities working to help prevent reoffending will share almost £3 million of Scottish Government funds
Charities that help those who have faced prison time to reintegrate into society have received a funding boost.
Seven organisations who are working to reduce the cycle of reoffending will share almost £3 million to fund specialist services including employment training, early intervention and support for families of prisoners.
The grants for Apex Scotland, Families Outside, Positive Prison? Positive Futures, SACRO, Supporting Offenders with Learning Disabilities, Turning Point Scotland and the Venture Trust was announced by the Scottish Government this weekend.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Reconviction rates are at their lowest level in 19 years – helping to keep crime down and communities safe – and these services play a vital role in helping to reduce reoffending through specialist interventions with individuals and support for families.
“These charities work alongside community justice partners to support individuals to face their problems and change their lives for the better. They also make a valuable contribution in working with victims and communities affected by crime, helping people deal with the trauma and other consequences of offending behaviour.
“We are bringing forward plans to extend the presumption against short prison sentences this year and with more people serving community sentences these support services will be more important than ever.”
SACRO chief executive Tom Halpin said: “We very much welcome the continuing support of the Scottish Government through the grant award made for 2019. This award enables us to provide services across Scotland’s communities that directly support people to change their lives away from crime.”
Professor Nancy Loucks, chief executive of Families Outside, said: “The origins and impact of offending, and solutions required, extend well beyond the criminal justice system. The Scottish Government clearly recognises this, and Families Outside is grateful for that insight and support.
“In 2017, the Scottish Government’s Justice Vision and Priorities recognised for the first time that families are among the people who suffer the consequences of their family member’s actions. We remain grateful for the government’s ongoing support to improve outcomes for these families, who have committed no crime but still pay the price.”
