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Councillors back new initiative to stop offenders becoming trapped in revolving door of prison

Councillors welcomed the launch of a new initiative today aimed at reducing the number of offenders returning to prison.

At a meeting of Aberdeen City Council’s Adult Services Sub-committee councillors heard a report into the launch of a new programme, ADJUST, which is a partnership between Station House Media Unit (SHMU), the council’s social work criminal justice department and HMP Aberdeen.

The £225,000 scheme aims to put an end to the revolving door of prison by reducing re-offending rates and risks to communities by engaging with prisoners, tackling their problems and offering suitable support both in prison and after their release.

The ADJUST initiative’s joined-up approach aims to offer a continuity of care, support, training, employment and outreach support.

The initiative is primarily funded by the Robertson Trust with additional resources, including money and staff, provided by the council and Scottish Prison Service.

The council has committed £20,000 to the project as well as the expertise and time of staff in the criminal justice social work service.

Committee convener and member of Aberdeen prison visiting committee Councillor Jim Kiddie said: “The ADJUST programme is a really effective way of targeting the problem of repeat offending.

“We have long advocated and championed the need for a ‘joined-up’ approach of working with offenders before and after their release from prison to break the cycle of reoffending. ADJUST offers a real opportunity to help prisoners’ rehabilitation and stop the risk to our communities.”

The initiative is being spearheaded by Aberdeen-based media charity SHMU, who employed an ADJUST co-ordinator six-weeks ago to lead the initiative.

Murray Dawson, SHMU project director, said the charity was delighted to be at the forefront of such an innovative project.

He said: “This is an exciting project that is really trying to break new ground in offering support to offenders in prison and on their release. It is also breaking new ground for SHMU as we embark on our first strategic role.

“Working with the other agencies taking part we will have a significant impact and influence, motivating prisoners to continue to engage with activities started inside and take full advantage of ongoing support mechanisms following their release from prison.”

Audrey Mooney, governor of HMP Aberdeen, said the ADJUST programme would be central to the prison’s approach to stopping the pattern of reoffending.

She said: “ADJUST will be the backbone to our efforts to tackle prisoners’ well-being and motivation.

“The partnership on which this is based is critical to its success and involves agencies in a different and more meaningful way than has previously been the case. All have experience of working with offenders but the synergy produced from this joint venture will prove to be powerful and effective in tackling the complexities presented by our prisoners.”

ADJUST will focus on drawing up Community Integration Plans with prisoners to identify the issues central to their disruptive behaviour and the support they need to stop them offending. These may include housing, unemployment, drug/alcohol abuse or problems with relationships.

ADJUST will also work with the women in Craiginches’ Community Integration Unit, which houses up to eight women who are nearing the end of their sentences.

Other partner agencies taking part include the council’s Community Woodland Rangers and Aberdeen Foyer, who have both offered their range of services.

The criminal justice social work department will report back to the committee with an update on ADJUST in the future.

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