Confronting antisocial behaviour
19 Mar 2009 11:04 AM
The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have today jointly published their shared vision for how antisocial behaviour should be tackled.
The Framework has been drawn together following a lengthy review of national antisocial behaviour policy and recognises that prevention and early and effective intervention should be at its heart.
The four pillars of the Framework are prevention, integration, engagement and communication.
The main findings of the review include:
- place prevention and early and effective intervention at the heart of approaches to tackle antisocial behaviour
- address the causes of antisocial behaviour such as drink, drugs and deprivation and not just the symptoms
- promote positive behaviour and the work of role models and mentors, as well as punish bad behaviour in an appropriate, proportionate and timely manner
- create more choices and chances for people to succeed, reducing the likelihood of them being involved in antisocial behaviour
- work better together locally to meet the needs of individuals and communities by integrating services
Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing said:
"The vast majority of Scotland's communities are good places to live and work. However, too many are still blighted by crime and antisocial behaviour.
"Antisocial behaviour is a visible symptom of deep-rooted problems such as lack of opportunity and the effects of drink, drugs and deprivation. Such behaviour can bring misery to people living in our communities.
"This new Framework is aimed at promoting positive outcomes, preventing antisocial behaviour before it occurs, resolving such behaviour effectively when it does occur and helping agencies work together more effectively.
"It is not about abandoning what went before but about being smarter in how we tackle the problem. We should be focussing on tackling the symptoms of the problem and working together better to achieve shared outcomes.
"I recognise that these problems cannot be turned around overnight but by tackling the causes of antisocial behaviour we will improve the quality of life for those who live in our communities.
"Role models and mentors can be a great way to provide a positive influence on our young people and adults and turn them away from such behaviour.
"The work carried out by Scottish Sports Futures, is an example of the kind of initiatives we want to see.
"As well as funding SSF's Twilight Basketball, the many strands of our CashBack for Communities scheme are offering opportunities for our young people involved in or at risk of being involved in antisocial behaviour to realise their potential and become responsible citizens.
"This Framework sets out how working together with all our key partners we will deliver a safer, stronger Scotland."
Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA Spokesperson for Community Well-being and Safety, said:
"This Antisocial Behaviour Framework sets the context for enhancing community engagement through early intervention and prevention. Its approach will help build the capacity and confidence of communities to respond to antisocial behaviour through better community participation and empowerment.
"It builds on current good practice and identifies new ways of harnessing the skills, knowledge and aspirations in our communities; essential if the blight of antisocial behaviour is to be tackled effectively.
"As Chair of the review's Community Engagement Sub-Group, I wholeheartedly endorse this new Antisocial Behaviour Framework - it's a valuable resource, which underpins a positive new approach, supported by successful practice from around Scotland and further afield."
Related Information
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/03/18112243/0
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/03/18112220/1