Community Justice Scotland formally came into effect on 1st April 2017. This marks a significant change in Community Justice in Scotland with the aim of collectively strengthening how public services, third sector and other partners work together to prevent and reduce further offending. Circle’s FABI Project look forward to strengthening relationships with Community Justice Scotland and partner agencies to ensure that families who are affected by criminal justice systems are able to access support in their homes within their communities. Circle’s approach in providing whole family support to the most vulnerable families in our communities is what works and does make a difference in minimising the stigma and discrimination experienced by families. There is no doubt that there are challenges ahead, however, with challenges there exists opportunities, and it is this that we must focus on. It is encouraging on the launch of Community Justice Scotland that their new Chief Executive, Karyn McCluskey, acknowledged the opportunities ahead and recognised the need for the right support at the right time in improving lives for every one of us: those at risk of offending, their families and their communities. We embrace the challenges and the opportunities ahead and agree with Karyn McCluskey when she wrote,
‘And when that means changing the destiny of some of the most excluded in society, improving outcomes for them, their children and their children’s children, we must all rise to the challenge.’