A supported bail project operating in Glasgow should be more widely used to help reduce re-offending MSP have been told.
The project run by charities Aberlour and Turning Point is funded by Glasgow City Council and prevents women being sent to prison on remand.
MSPs on the Justice Committee at Holyrood are hearing evidence today form the Prison Reform Turs and Scottish Working Group on Women’s offending on reducing the numbers of remand prisoners.
Both Groups highlight the Glasgow project as having a positive effect on the women who take part in the programme.
In a written submission ahead of the meeting the groups state: “Outcomes are very positive with 75% of women engaging positively with with the service and reporting reduced criminal activity, alcohol and drug use and improved physical and psychological wellbeing, living situation and parental capacity.”
The groups want to see more programmes like the Glasgow project across the country.
the report adds: “ There is clear evidence that supported bail services are efficient and effective. “However the provision of these services is patchy and results in postcode justice.”
There is a higher rate of women held on remand than men with 21.5% of women in prison on remand compared to 17.4% of men.
Only 30% of those who are remanded then go on to receive a custodial sentence.
Charities and justice groups argue that the effects of a remand spell on women in relation to family life is equally disruptive as an actual custodial sentence.
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