Justice and Community Justice Services

Community Interventions and Support Directory - Community Justice Scotland

Justice Services undertake a range of statutory duties concerned with the assessment and supervision of those who come into conflict with the law and are subject to custodial sentences, community-based sentences, or periods of supervision following a custodial sentence.

Community Justice Explained

A legal definition of ‘Community Justice’ is provided in section 1 of the Community Justice (Scotland) Act 2016 (the Act).  Research offered in the “Vision for Justice in Scotland (2022)” publication helps us to better understand the trajectories of those who enter justice systems.  The evidence appraises the intersectionality of offending behaviours with poverty; homelessness; substance misuse; physical and mental health inequalities; adverse childhood experiences (ACEs); sex; and the impact of trauma – providing us with a greater understanding into what drives and shapes offending behaviour and perpetuates recidivism.  By tackling the root causes of offending to reduce recidivism victims are fewer and communities are safer.

Evidence shows that sentences served in the community have better outcomes for those involved in justice systems creating real and meaningful opportunity for behaviour change, personal growth, along with space and time for recovery from their own experiences of trauma that are directly linked to patterns of offending.  A community-based approach to justice offers a balanced, proportionate and thoughtful response to people who pose little or no risk to others in their communities.

Public Protection

Justice and Community Justice services are an integral part of a whole-systems approach to enhanced Public Protection in West Dunbartonshire.  Both services play an important public protection role in relation to the assessment and supervision of those who have come into conflict with the law and pose a risk to self or others. Justice and Community Justice services adopt a person-centred, needs led, trauma informed partnership approach with stakeholder partners across West Dunbartonshire HSCP, West Dunbartonshire Council, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Services, and 3rd Sector Partners, to reduce recidivism and make the communities of West Dunbartonshire safer.

Justice Social Work Reports

If you have been convicted of an offence the Court may ask for a background report to better understand the risk factors that contribute to lawbreaking behaviours.  The report is an aid that guides and supports sentencers to decide how best to secure justice, ensure people are offered as much support and opportunity to change behaviour and progress to positive destinations, whilst safeguard victims and communities.

Prison sentence

If you are required to serve a prison sentence Justice Services and National Voluntary Throughcare partners will ensure contact with you whilst you are in prison and ensure that all health and social care needs are met during custodial sentences and on return to the community.  Support will be offered for addictions, mental health, housing/homelessness, employability and any other supports that are necessary for successful reintegration back into the community.

More information

If you want to find out more information about West Dunbartonshire Justice and Community Justice services visit the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership website.