Published

Preventing and reducing re-offending are the main aims of a new partnership plan that launches this week (1 April) across the Falkirk area.

The Falkirk Community Justice Partnership (FCJP) is made up of ten public and third sector organisations who aim ‘to tackle the root causes of reoffending’ by working with people with convictions, victims and witnesses, families and local communities.

The new partnership replaces the existing Fife and Forth Valley Community Justice Authority that is being disestablished by Scottish Government.

The FCJP will be responsible for positive outcomes for people from the point of arrest, through prosecution, community disposal or custody and alternatives to these, until they are reintegrated back into the community.

It will also act to:

  • Improve public understanding of community justice including how local people can get involved;
  • Ensure those affected by community justice have access to the services they need;
  • Design and deliver services tailored for what works for the individual and;
  • Plan activities that help meet individual needs and stop further offending.

Chair Nick Burgess said: “The new partnership is focused on delivering services to individuals and communities. These services are aimed at improving life chances and reducing re-offending as well as keeping communities safer because there is less re-offending.

“Community justice services have a shared responsibility to balance risk and needs and by working together we hope to improve the joint working which has the best chance of effecting change in individuals and communities.”

You can read the Falkirk community justice outcomes improvement plan here.