Youth justice
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Legal aid reform: discussion paper
Sets out three key strands of work we will undertake in 2025 to 2026 to improve legal aid: simplification of the judicare service delivery model; research on and reform of legal aid fees; engagement with stakeholders to develop a reformed future legal assistance system.
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Children's hearings redesign: consultation analysis
Independent analysis of responses to the Children's Hearings Redesign consultation commissioned by the Scottish Government.
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Secure Care Statistics: 2023-24
An Accredited Official Statistics Publication.
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Scotland's children's services plans 2023-2026 review: improving outcomes for children, young people and families
Review of children's services plans for 2023 to 2026, in line with Part 3 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. This report presents key findings from the review of Scotland’s 30 Children’s Services Plans (CSPs) which cover the planning cycle for 2023 to 2026.
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A decade of care: A corporate parenting update from Scottish Ministers 2021 - 2024
Third report on corporate parenting by Scottish Ministers. In this report, we set out how Scottish Ministers have fulfilled their duties as a corporate parent from 2021 to 2024, to support and improve outcomes for children and young people with care experience.
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Justice Social Work Statistics in Scotland: 2023-24 – Part 2
An annual bulletin summarising the main trends in community orders and justice social work reports.
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'Moving On' from care into adulthood: consultation analysis
An analysis of views shared in the recent consultation on the support available to young people as they leave care and enter adulthood.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: December 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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The Promise Story of Progress: How is Scotland doing in its progress towards keeping the promise?
A national report co-authored by COSLA, The Scottish Government and The Promise Scotland, presenting the shared approach to understanding progress towards keeping The Promise.
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Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2022-23
Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the 10 years from 2013-14 to 2022-23.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : November 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Human rights of children in Scotland: report - child friendly version
Child friendly/easy read version of our action plan 2021 to 2024 progress report.
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Progressing the human rights of children in Scotland: update report 2021-2024
This report provides an update on the delivery of commitments outlined in our action plan ‘Progressing the human rights of children in Scotland: action plan 2021 to 2024’.
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Justice and safer communities statistics: monthly data report summary - October 2024
Summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: September 2024
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Justice Social Work Statistics in Scotland: 2023-24 – Part 1
This report presents national level information on many aspects of justice social work activity, as well as the characteristics of individuals involved.
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Keeping The Promise to our children, young people and families: progress update 2024
In March 2022 we published our Promise implementation plan. Two years on, this update provides a status report on progress so far.
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Children's hearings redesign – policy proposals: consultation summary
Consultation on the redesign of Scotland’s children’s hearings system to build on its strengths so that it can deliver the best possible experience to the children and families in need of its support. It focusses on areas which may require changes to the law.
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No under 18s in Young Offenders Institutions
Supporting children in the justice system.
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Children and Young People Affected by a Family Member in Prison or Secure Care: Final Report of Short-Life Group
Explores the impact on children and young people when a family member is in prison or secure care, and makes recommendations for improvement.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : August 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2021-22
Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the 10 years from 2012-13 to 2021-22. The latest two years of data were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019 Learning Event – 30 January 2024 Report on Key Findings
The Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019 (‘the Act’) raised the age of criminal responsibility in Scotland from 8 to 12 years which is the highest age of all UK nations. The Act fully commenced in December 2021 and places a duty on Scottish Ministers to review the operation of the Act.
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Children's hearings redesign - policy proposals: consultation
Consultation on the redesign of Scotland’s children’s hearings system to build on its strengths so that it can deliver the best possible experience to the children and families in need of its support. It focusses on areas which may require changes to the law.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : July 2024 edition
The report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2021-22 – Updated
Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the 10 years from 2012-13 to 2021-22. The latest two years of data were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Milestone for children’s rights
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Act commences.
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'Moving on' from care into adulthood: consultation
This consultation invites views on the support available to young people as they leave care and enter adulthood.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : June 2024
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities area. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Action Group on Processions: report
The Action Group on Processions has made six recommendations to improve facilitation of processions for the Scottish Government, CoSLA and Police Scotland to consider.
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Justice for children and young people: vision and priorities 2024-26
This vision is a continuation of the previous vision that concluded June 2024. It represents a shared foundation between the Scottish Government and partners to continue to support the agenda to keep children out of the criminal justice system and promote the use of the Whole System Approach.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : May 2024 edition
the report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Children (Care and Justice) Bill passed
Landmark bill passes Stage 3.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: April 2024
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Building a New Scotland: Justice in an independent Scotland
This paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for justice in an independent Scotland.
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Marches, parades and static demonstrations: guidance
This publication sets out the key duties and responsibilities for local authorities facilitating marches, parades and protests in Scotland. It provides guidance and highlights best practice for all key parties involved.
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Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : March 2024
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer community statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response - child-friendly version
This report explains how the Scottish Government (SG) is responding to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s concluding observations. These were published in 2023. This document will tell you about some of the things we are doing to make things better for children and their families in Scotland
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United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response
This report sets out the Scottish Government’s (SG) initial response to the UN Committee’s Concluding Observations. It outlines the progress made in relation to children’s rights in Scotland since the publication of the Position Statement of November 2022
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Child protection learning and development 2024: national framework
Framework to support multi-agency learning and development relevant to child protection in Scotland. This highlights key learning for all workforces according to the level of responsibility they have for child protection.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report February 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Prostitution - challenging and deterring men's demand: strategic approach
Sets our our collective approach, working with stakeholders across the wider public and third sector, to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: January 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Justice Social Work Statistics In Scotland: 2022-23
This publication presents national-level information on justice social work activity in Scotland. It includes data on justice social work services and social work orders, as well as characteristics of the individuals involved.
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Hearings for Children report: response
The Scottish Government's response to the Hearings for Children: The report of the Hearings System Working Group.
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Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation
We are committed to protecting, respecting and championing the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people. This consultation on proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill seeks the views of everyone on how we can do this.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report December 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Education: National Improvement Framework and improvement plan 2024
Sets out the vision and priorities for Scottish education that have been agreed across the system, and the national improvement activity that needs to be undertaken to help deliver those key priorities.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: November 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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CashBack for Communities phase 6: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) to consider the impacts on equality of the development of policy for phase 6 of the Cashback for Communities programme. The programme uses money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to fund projects for children and young people.
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Scotland's approach to antisocial behaviour: review findings
This report presents findings on the perceptions of current approaches to antisocial behaviour in Scotland, based on discussions with key stakeholders including victims and frontline staff. The report will help inform future reviews on best practice for preventing and tackling antisocial behaviour.
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Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019: learning event 26 January 2023 - key findings
The Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019 (‘the Act’) places a duty on Ministers to review the operation of the Act with a view to considering a future age of criminal responsibility within three years of commencement.
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Homicide in Scotland 2022-23
Statistical bulletin on crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in 2022-2023.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : October 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : September 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019 - child interview rights practitioners: question and answer guide
Question and answer guide for Child Interview Rights Practitioners (ChIRPs) to provide clarity on practical and procedural matters in relation to age of criminal responsibility investitive that have been raised through feedback.
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National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023
This guidance describes the responsibilities and expectations for all involved in protecting children and will support the care and protection of children.
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Cashback for Communities phase 6: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment for phase 6 of the CashBack for Communities programme.
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Cashback for Communities phase 6: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment for the CashBack for Communities programme.
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Scottish Crime and Justice Survey: data protection impact assessment
Latest version of the data protection impact assessment (DPIA) for the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) - published in July 2023.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: June 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Tackling criminal exploitation
Safeguarding the most vulnerable.
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Criminal exploitation: practitioner guidance
Guidance to support a shared understanding of criminal exploitation to help assist with early identification of those at risk from serious organised crime. This guidance also applies to criminal exploitation which is not linked to serious organised crime.
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New Chief Constable
Justice Secretary Angela Constance comments as first woman appointed to role.
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Transforming children’s experiences of the justice system
New test sites for ‘Bairns’ Hoose’ to be set up.
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Bairns' Hoose – children and young people: participation and engagement plan - easy read
Easy read version of a plan which sets out our approach to participation and engagement, and the actions we will take to make sure that Bairns’ Hoose services best reflect the views of children and young people with lived experience of trauma.
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Bairns' Hoose - project plan: progress report and pathfinder delivery plan 2023 to 2025 - easy read
Easy read version of a report which highlights the progress made towards developing a national Bairns’ Hoose model, sets out revised overarching actions for 2023 to 2025 and provides a detailed delivery plan for the Pathfinder phase.
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Bairns' Hoose – children and young people: participation and engagement plan
This plan sets out our approach to participation and engagement, and the actions we will take to make sure that Bairns’ Hoose services best reflect the views of children and young people with lived experience of trauma.
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Bairns' Hoose - project plan: progress report and pathfinder delivery plan 2023 to 2025
This report highlights the progress made towards developing a national Bairns’ Hoose model, sets out revised overarching actions for 2023 to 2025 and provides a detailed delivery plan for the Pathfinder phase.
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Violence prevention framework
This Framework sets out our vision to prevent violence across Scotland, and when it does occur, to reduce its harm. It is supported by an evidence supplement, spotlights some cross government work and includes priority aims and an action plan, outlining the initial activities going forward.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report May 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: April 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA)
This impact assessment considers how the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill will affect children’s rights and wellbeing. It records the research, analysis and engagement that has taken place in respect of this and how this has informed the development of the Bill.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS): Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: March 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Children and young people's voices matter: progress report - March 2023
Report on progress made on the actions agreed at the sixth annual meeting of Cabinet members and children and young people on 1 March 2022.
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Young Person's Guarantee: update report March 2023
The report highlights progress over the 2 years of the Young Person’s Guarantee and also sets out the direction of travel going forward.
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Scottish local government finance - Green Book: 2023-2024
Scottish Local Government Finance Settlement 2023-24: Funding Allocation Formula.
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Justice Analytical Services (JAS): Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: February 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
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Diversion from prosecution: joint review
A joint review of diversion from prosecution carried out by HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland and the Care Inspectorate
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Justice Social Work Statistics in Scotland: 2021-22
This publication presents national-level information on justice social work activity in Scotland. It includes data on justice social work services and social work orders, as well as characteristics of the individuals involved.
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Safeguarding children in the justice system
Bill to end under-18s being placed in young offenders institutions.
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Victim Surcharge Fund
More help for victims as criminals pay towards costs.
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Criminal proceedings in Scotland: 2020-2021
Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the ten years from 2011-12 to 2020-21. The latest year’s data is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Victims’ consultation launches
Putting people at the heart of the justice system.
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Cross-Border Placements Regulations: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) Regulations 2022.
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Cross-Border Placements Regulations: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) Regulations 2022.
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Cross-Border Placements Regulations: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) Regulations 2022.
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Cross-Border Placements Regulations: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the Children’s Hearings (Scotland) Act 2011 (Effect of Deprivation of Liberty Orders) Regulations 2022
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Children's Social Work Statistics, Scotland 2020-21
Children's Social Work Statistics for Scotland for 2020 to 2021, including data on children and young people looked after, on the child protection register and in secure care accommodation.
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New Bairns’ Hoose appointment
Post will drive improvements for children.
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New vision for justice
Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.
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Not proven consultation opens
Views sought on three verdict system and related reforms.
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Recorded crime remains at low levels
Crimes in four key areas down in the past year.
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Supporting children in the justice system
Improving services for victims and witnesses.
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Supporting young people
Funding for specialist service.
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Working with children in conflict with the law 2021: standards
These standards replace those published in 2012 and are intended to guide both strategic and operational services’ understanding of what is expected at each stage of a child’s journey through the justice system.
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What works to prevent youth violence: evidence summary
This report draws together high-quality international evidence about what works to prevent youth violence, to inform policymakers and practitioners about the evidence base and effectiveness associated with different approaches and interventions.
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What works to prevent youth violence: key findings
Summarises the findings from the What Works to Prevent Youth Violence report.
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Structured deferred sentences: guidance
A high-level guide to the purpose, policy rationale and operation of structured deferred sentences in Scotland, for local authority justice social work services, youth justice services and relevant partners.
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Children - raising the age of referral: consultation analysis
Independent analysis of responses to the public consultation on raising the age at which children can be referred to the Children's Reporter.
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Secure care: pathway and standards
The pathway and standards set out what all children in or on the edges of secure care in Scotland should expect across the continuum of intensive supports and services. They provide a framework for ensuring the rights of children and young people are respected and improve experiences and outcomes.
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Secure care pathway and standards: equality impact assessment
Equalities impact assessment (EQIA) for the secure care pathway and standards which provide all practitioners supporting children who are in or on the edge of secure care with clearer expectations that will improve practice.
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Secure care pathway and standards: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment
A children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the secure care pathway and standards which provide all practitioners supporting children who are in or on the edge of secure care with clearer expectations that will improve practice.
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Boost for Scottish youth work
New fund to help education recovery from COVID-19.
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Children’s hearings
Views sought on extending the age range of young people referred.
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8 million hours of payback
Local projects continue to gain from community sentences.
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Preventing harmful sexual behaviour
Expert Group focused on children and young people.
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Family Justice Modernisation Strategy
Sets out our work to improve the family justice system in Scotland.
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Age of Criminal Responsibility Bill passed
Decriminalisation of primary school-aged children.
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Scottish Welfare Fund Statistics
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Fall in youth convictions
Total number of court proceedings and convictions lowest in a decade.
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Supporting young people in custody
Mental health expert to work with prisons inspectorate on review.
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Review of the Aberdeen Problem Solving Approach: report
Review of the Aberdeen Sheriff’s Court’s Problem Solving Approach for prolific female and young male offenders.
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Review of the Aberdeen Problem Solving Approach: research findings
Summary review of the Aberdeen Sheriff’s Court’s Problem Solving Approach for prolific female and young male offenders.