http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2004/10/18120750
"An independent analysis of responses to a consultation (Reducing Re-offending in Scotland). The analysis report highlights a number of concerns and suggestions for improvement, including:
Perceived gaps in provision, appropriateness and effectiveness of some services, and difficulties of access.
Difficulties in liaison between service providers and concerns about a lack of continuity of throughcare from prison into the community.
Perceived slowness in the criminal justice process, affecting offenders' progress and the likelihood of re-offending.
Concern about the lack of a victim's perspective, and that the system was increasingly punitive and custody-focused.
High use of custodial sentences, particularly short term sentences with an associated lack of benefit for some offenders. This was coupled with a lack of consistent availability or use of community disposals.
Other issues raised, included a call for good quality research, evaluation and monitoring about what is effective and the impact of those interventions to inform future developments."
