The Community Justice Partnership

CJ: Community Justice East Lothian Logo

We work collaboratively to support people in our area that have experience of the community justice system.

While crime and offending in East Lothian is relatively low, it can have a significant impact on individuals and local communities. That's why we are committed to ensuring that people in the justice system can access the right services, at the right time. Our focus is to ensure that everyone has the chance to change their life for the better and that people who are the victims of crime feel that they get the justice they deserve.

Our membership includes representatives from Police Scotland, Scottish Prison Service, NHS Lothian, Skills Development Scotland, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and Queen Margaret University and third sector. Relevant services from East Lothian Council also attend, including Criminal Justice Social Work, Communities, Housing and there is also elected member representation.

We have established three workstreams to deliver priority actions:

  • Community Engagement - to promote and raise awareness of the partnership and related services to help people with experience of the justice system
  • Early Intervention and prevention - working to ensure the right services and programmes are in place to prevent young people from entering the justice system.
  • Getting it Right to Reduce Reoffending - this work focuses on making sure people with convictions get access to the support they need while in prison or out in the community.

Relevant information

Community Justice Local Outcome Improvement Plan 2021/24

East Lothian Community Justice - Supported & Validated Self Evaluation Report January 2020 and the Care Inspectorate Supporting Letter 

Community Justice Partnership Meeting Details

Community Justice Strategic Needs and Strengths Assessment completed by Queen Margaret University

Criminal Justice Social Work Service

Community Justice Scotland