Study says offenders need help
Better communication and working relationships between procurators fiscal and social workers could also reduce re-offending rates, researchers at Edinburgh University claim.
The study reviewed patterns in referrals from procurators fiscal to diversion schemes such as counselling or rehabilitation, over the past five years.
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Hide AdResearchers found there was varied use of social work services by criminal justice authorities across Scotland.
Sarah Macqueen from Edinburgh University's School of Law, who co-authored the report, said: "This situation could be improved by increasing the availability of diversion schemes and improving working relationships between fiscals and social workers."