law courts

Will the Victim Statement scheme secure greater participation for victims in the criminal justice process?

Paper describing the Victim Statement (VS) scheme which was piloted in Ayr, Edinburgh and Kilmarnock between 2003 and 2005.

The scheme aimed to allow crime victims to make a statement about the impact of the offence on their lives once a decision to prosecute had been taken.

The paper also examines the practicalities of implementing the scheme more widely.

Drug misusing offenders : ensuring the continuity-of-care between prison and community

Document offering guidance on managing the continuity-of-care journey and treatment pathway that drug misusing offenders in England follow on entering prison, while in prison and on release from prison. The guidance is intended for Criminal Justice Integrated Team managers and workers and Substance Misuse Team managers and workers.

Measures to assist vulnerable or intimidated witnesses in the criminal justice system

In June 1998 the Government published “Speaking up for Justice”, a report of an Interdepartmental Working Group on the treatment of Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses in the Criminal Justice System. It proposed a coherent and integrated scheme to provide appropriate support and assistance for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses. This is a summary report of the key recommendations, legislation and implementation.

Hidden harm: Scottish Executive response to the report of the inquiry by the Advisory Council on the misuse of drugs

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs published 'Hidden Harm' which highlighted the plight of the estimated 41,000-59,000 children in Scotland affected by parental drug use. This resource describes the Scottish Executive's response to the challenges outlined in 'Hidden Harm'.

Hidden harm: responding to the needs of children of problem drug users

In this ground-breaking report, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs considers the impact on children of parental problem drug use. For the first time ever, it assesses the number of affected children in the UK.

It examines the evidence for significant harm to their health and well-being. It considers what is being done at present to help them and what more could be done.