Expert group to help tackle reoffending and youth violence

A new £200,000 initiative to help prevent reoffending and tackle youth violence has been backed by the Scottish Government.

The ‘Justice Social Partnership’, will bring together a range of experts, to focus on diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Organisations such as the Robertson Trust and the YMCA Tayside are involved in the partnership, which aims to design practical projects that give young people safe spaces and trusted adults, and support people to move away from crime and rebuild their lives.

It comes after the high profile deaths of young people including Amen Teklay, 15, Kayden Moy, 16, and 22-year-old John McNab over the last year.

Justice secretary Neil Gray told STV News: “We can’t be complacent and we’ve had some high profile and tragic cases over the past couple of years that mean we must continue to look at new and innovative ways of preventing criminality, violence and anti-social behaviour.

“This social impact partnership I hope will bring together those with experience both within the community and voluntary sector and private funders.”

The fund will support the partnership’s work over the coming months, including technical, financial and legal expertise needed to develop robust, investable projects.