Community Justice in Inverclyde
What is community justice?
Community justice is a community-first approach to justice. People who have broken the law are held accountable while being supported to reconnect with, and contribute positively to, their communities.
Where it is safe and appropriate, individuals may receive community-based sentences instead of custodial sentences.
Evidence shows that community justice can:
· Reduce reoffending
· Lead to fewer victims
· Help create safer, more inclusive communities
How community justice links to the third sector
The Scottish Government recognises the critical role of the third sector in delivering community justice across Scotland.
CVS Inverclyde works with partners to:
· Engage with, and give a voice to, people who are most socially excluded
· Build cross-sector relationships between justice, health, housing and community services
· Share information on issues linked to offending and how to reduce the likelihood of reoffending
· Provide training on stigma and the justice system, supporting trauma-informed and non-prejudicial practice
How we make a difference
CVS Inverclyde is involved in several projects that focus on challenging stigma and supporting reintegration.
Challenging stigma
Through the Resilience Network, funded by Inverclyde HSCP’s Health Improvement Team, partners have developed an e-learning module focused on stigma and the justice system.
The module:
· Shares key learning about stigma and justice involvement
· Includes a locally produced film featuring real experiences of stigma in Inverclyde
· Highlights the impact of stigma on individuals and families
· Offers practical ideas for how services and communities can respond differently
The module is being shared widely across Inverclyde and promoted through local channels, including CVS Inverclyde and Inverclyde Council.
This collaborative work supports a shared set of values and aims to change the local narrative around justice involvement and stigma.
Who is involved?
The working group includes:
· People with lived experience of the justice system and their families
· Third sector organisations, including members of the Third Sector Community Justice Forum
· Public sector partners, including the Health Improvement Team, recognising the strong link between stigma reduction and public health
Third Sector Community Justice Forum (3SCJF)
The Third Sector Community Justice Forum (3SCJF) is a subgroup of Inverclyde’s Community Justice Partnership. CVS Inverclyde, as the local third sector interface, is supporting the development of this Forum to strengthen the role of the third sector in community justice.
The Forum provides a space for organisations to:
· Share national policy updates and best practice
· Connect with others supporting people involved in the justice system
· Explore collaborative approaches that improve outcomes for individuals and families
Because people with justice involvement often engage with a wide range of services - including children and families support, mental health, drug and alcohol recovery, and community services - the Forum welcomes organisations from across the third sector.
Our aim is to build a holistic, collaborative system around individuals and their families, and to promote the ethos and values of community justice throughout Inverclyde.
Community Matters Bags
The Third Sector Community Justice Forum (3SCJF) is piloting a project to support 40 individuals returning to Inverclyde from custody. Each Community Matters Bag is designed to provide practical support and a warm welcome back into the community.
Why it matters
These bags are delivered in the community, helping individuals integrate and encouraging engagement with local support services. This initiative is a partnership effort involving people with lived experience, third sector providers, Justice Social Work, and local community justice leads.
Photos
· Stigma awareness workshop sessions
· Cinema event in Greenock image
· Activities with Inverclyde Faith in Throughcare and other local partners
Resources
· Stigma e-learning module CVS Inverclyde (Stigma)
· What is community justice? video link
· The Vision for Justice in Scotland – The Vision for Justice in Scotland - gov.scot