The prevalence of alcohol problems in those who come into the criminal justice system is known to be high. Many of those in the justice system come from the most disadvantaged backgrounds where alcohol harm is highest. For some individuals, their alcohol problem is linked to their offending behaviour (e.g. violent crime/drink driving) whist for others, it is not. Contact with the justice system provides the opportunity to detect, intervene or signpost individuals into alcohol treatment services. This can not only reduce alcohol harm but could also reduce health inequalities and potentially reduce re-offending.
In order to address the issue of people with alcohol problems in the Scottish criminal justice system, SHAAP is hosting a symposium to raise awareness; act as a knowledge exchange; bring together key stakeholders and identify barriers and opportunities. The symposium will inform actions that SHAAP, policy makers and all stakeholders involved in the justice system will be able to take to improve outcomes for people with alcohol problems.
The symposium will take place on Wednesday 19 April 2023, from 9:45am-3:30pm at the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh. The speaker schedule of the symposium is designed to reflect the journey through the criminal justice system. Within each section of the journey, one speaker will address the issue of alcohol in justice from a health perspective while the other speaker will discuss the matter from the viewpoint of the justice system.
This symposium is suitable for individuals working within the Scottish justice system, including healthcare professionals, researchers, policy-makers and those who have a special interest in alcohol problems within the justice system.
More information about our speakers will be available soon on our website: https://shaap.org.uk/