Current status: Answered by Annabelle Ewing on 7 June 2017
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle and prevent youth crime in north Edinburgh.
We recognise the impact that offending behaviour can have on communities.
Timely and effective interventions are needed to keep communities and young people safe from crime and disorder. A local partnership approach is the key to confronting the behaviour and dealing with underlying issues. I am aware that the Stronger North group has played an important role in responding to issues in North Edinburgh.
This Government's Whole System Approach to youth justice has delivered an 83% reduction in children referred to the Reporter on offence grounds over the last 9 years. In Edinburgh, we have seen a 75% reduction over the same period.
Our national youth justice strategy is being driven forward with national and local partners. We will report on progress later this month.
Scotland’s approach is smart, effective and evidence-led. Prevention, early intervention and timely responses have been shown to divert young people from offending and to improving outcomes.