Voluntary Sector

Although there is a long history of agencies from the voluntary sector providing services to individuals in the criminal justice system, in recent years the Scottish and UK governments have placed a great deal of emphasis on the enhanced role of the voluntary sector in delivering criminal justice services within the community. In the current policy climate, an efficient and effective criminal justice system is thought to rest on a successful partnership between the public, private and voluntary sector.

Voluntary organisations are involved in a broad range of services for offenders, victims, families and communities affected by crime. These range from specialist support services for victims to community-based crime prevention programmes.  

For links to various voluntary sector organisations working within the criminal justice system, visit the links section of the website.