ACS

The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have today jointly published their shared vision for how antisocial behaviour should be tackled.

The Framework has been drawn together following a lengthy review of national antisocial behaviour policy and recognises that prevention and early and effective intervention should be at its heart.

The four pillars of the Framework are prevention, integration, engagement and communication.

The main findings of the review include:
• place prevention and early and effective intervention at the heart of approaches to tackle antisocial behaviour
• address the causes of antisocial behaviour such as drink, drugs and deprivation and not just the symptoms
• promote positive behaviour and the work of role models and mentors, as well as punish bad behaviour in an appropriate, proportionate and timely manner
• create more choices and chances for people to succeed, reducing the likelihood of them being involved in antisocial behaviour
• work better together locally to meet the needs of individuals and communities by integrating services

Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing said: "Antisocial behaviour is a visible symptom of deep-rooted problems such as lack of opportunity and the effects of drink, drugs and deprivation. Such behaviour can bring misery to people living in our communities.

"This new Framework is aimed at promoting positive outcomes, preventing antisocial behaviour before it occurs, resolving such behaviour effectively when it does occur and helping agencies work together more effectively."

Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA Spokesperson for Community Well-being and Safety, said: "This Antisocial Behaviour Framework sets the context for enhancing community engagement through early intervention and prevention. Its approach will help build the capacity and confidence of communities to respond to antisocial behaviour through better community participation and empowerment."