Scottish re-offending tackled in £7.7m scheme

The Scottish government has said it is to allocate almost £7.7m to a scheme intended to reduce re-offending.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill is expected to announce the details during a visit to HM Prison Edinburgh.

The scheme has been devised to place an emphasis on women and prolific young male offenders.

The government has said the investment should help to reduce the likelihood of re-offending and make communities safer.

In Scotland, the re-conviction rate for offenders under the age of 21 is currently 36.1%.

This initiative aims to reduce re-offending through mentoring projects in which prison staff, social workers and charities prepare inmates for release.

It will be introduced to every prison in Scotland.

On release, offenders will be offered further help in finding somewhere to live, accessing medical care and claiming benefits.