BBC News
A new national strategy to tackle youth offending has been formally launched at a conference in Dumfries.
The programme will see minor offenders under the age of 18 offered support to tackle their behaviour as an alternative to prosecution.The Whole Systems Approach (WSA) involves police, prosecutors, social workers and a large number of other support services.
It was launched by Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
The strategy aims to ensure that only those charged with serious or violent crime are dealt with through the courts or children's hearing system.
Others accused of minor law-breaking will undergo a multi-agency screening process to determine what support is needed to address their behaviour and prevent re-offending.
Instead of formal prosecution, an immediate community service alternative can be sanctioned.
The strategy also calls for the greater use of "restorative justice", where the offender is encouraged to apologise for their crime.
It follows a successful pilot in Aberdeen which has shown significant cost savings and seen a reduction in youth crime of almost 10%.
Follow the link to read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-15080252
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