The South Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Problem Solving Court (SLADPSC) is the product of a joint commitment by South Lanarkshire Council’s Justice Social Work and Hamilton Sheriff Court.

It will enhance existing local action to address a critical public health issue for communities across South Lanarkshire and indeed for Scotland.

The SLADPSC promotes a public health approach to those in conflict with the law whose offending is related to their substance use and to protecting the public. This includes supporting  people into recovery services.

The SLADPSC has been established as an innovative two-year pilot and will be starting its work from Thursday 7 December 2023.

The project will be supported through a multi-agency team approach with South Lanarkshire Justice Social Work services, CAReS (addiction services) and third sector assertive outreach services.

Funding has been secured from The CORRA Foundation and the South Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, Professor Soumen Sengupta, said: “Drug and alcohol related deaths and crime are a blight on individuals, families and communities across Scotland.

“Many people with substance abuse problems can end up in a downward spiral that places the public and indeed themselves at risk.

“We are committed to working with our partners so that where possible service users are held to account for their actions in a manner that reduces the risk of their reoffending and that addresses their addiction.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to all the justice social work, third sector, community addiction and recovery services and Scottish Courts and Tribunal Staff who have supported and developed this initiative to date.”

The full report on SLADPSC can be found on the council website.