More money to stop young being drawn into crime

Extra funding is being given to Scotland’s local authorities to support early intervention measures which prevent young people being drawn into a life of crime.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said a total of £1.6 million would be given to councils over the next two years as part of a “wholesystem approach” to youth offending.

Meeting social workers, police and prosecution staff in Livingston yesterday, Mr Yousaf said: “I’ve heard directly from youth justice practitioners how successful early intervention can be and how organisations coming together can have a huge impact on the lives of young people who are at risk.

“This extra funding will enable local authorities to extend support to young people up to the age of 26 in some cases.”