The government published its Respect Action Plan yesterday, which the Home Office press release says will "deepen the government’s current drive to clamp-down on anti-social behaviour. It also addresses a wider culture of public disrespect. "
From politics.co.uk : Geethika Jayatilaka, Alcohol Concern's Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said:
"We at Alcohol Concern are pleased to see the launch of tough new measures to tackle the anti-social behaviour that blights many communities. It is particularly encouraging that the government are looking more at tackling the root causes of anti-social behaviour and we welcome the new investment in providing support for parents. We know the negative impact that alcohol can have on parents and families and we hope that the government will address the issue of alcohol misuse within their parenting support plan.
The link between alcohol and crime and disorder is clear, with a massive 23,000 incidents of alcohol-related violence taking place every single week. We support measures that make the link between alcohol and crime, and also make it clear that some types of behaviour are simply unacceptable.
But tough measures on their own will not be enough to put an end to alcohol-related crime. If the government is serious about restoring respect to our streets, then punishing those who offend under the influence of alcohol needs to go hand in hand with a proactive effort to help those people change the way that they drink, and in doing so reduce the likelihood of their reoffending. Alcohol Concern is calling on the government to roll out a national programme of arrest-referral schemes, to ensure that anyone who passes through the criminal justice system for an alcohol-related offence is given access to the help they need to drink in a way that is less damaging to them, their families and their communities."
The alcohol strategy for England included a commitment to "consider establishing" pilot alcohol arrest referral schemes (Chapter 6). Public Health minister Caroline Flint said at Alcohol Concern's conference last November that the Home Office are piloting 8 schemes. However, details are hard to come by if the schemes exist.
A number of non-Home Office schemes have been running for some time (for example Dudley), and some have been formally evaluated already (for example Hereford & Worcester), demonstrating excellent outcomes.
General Home Office research on treatment for alcohol-related offenders here.
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