The Scotsman

Aberdeen initiative on reoffendin­g could be rolled out across the country

Problem-solving approach to why people offend examines underlying issues, writes Chris Mccall

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An innovative approach in dealing with repeat offenders in Aberdeen could be rolled out elsewhere in the country following a report on its effectiven­ess.

The initiative, the Aberdeen Problem-solving Approach (PSA), aims to reduce the use of custodial sentences and cut reoffendin­g by addressing the underlying problems linked with persistent offending.

Now an independen­t review commission­ed by the Scottish Government, and carried out by Ipsos MORI Scotland and the University of Stirling, found that it “shows promise” and recommende­d that other areas of Scotland consider setting up similar initiative­s.

Existing specialist courts focus on particular types of crime, such as domestic abuse or drug use, but the architects of the Aberdeen PSA claim it is the first of its kind in Scotland to specialise in women and young men with multiple complex needs and a history of frequent lowlevel offending.

Instead of being sent to prison, participan­ts are given a deferred sentence while they engage with social workers and support workers to address the underlying problems linked to their offending.

They also return to court regularly to have their progress reviewed by a Sheriff.

The researcher­s reported the PSA was less successful for people with more entrenched problems.

The report follows the publicatio­n yesterday of national statistics which revealed that statistic Scotland’s reconvicti­on rate has fallen to a 19-year low.

Lorraine Murray, research director at Ipsos MORI, said: “It’s too early to say what the longer term outcomes will be, and the numbers are still small, but the fact that over half of participan­ts were not in custody by the end of their involvemen­t in the PSA is very encouragin­g.”

Dr Hannah Graham, of the University of Stirling, said: “This problemsol­ving justice approach works with people with complex needs who commit frequent low-level crimes.

“The data shows these participan­ts have encountere­d multiple adversitie­s – for example, financial difficulti­es, homelessne­ss, bereavemen­t, being care experience­d – and many of them live with mental illness, trauma, abuse and addictions.”

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0 Aberdeen Sheriff Court

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