1. Sacro Alcohol Education Probation Service ▼ a low-cost, effective short-term intervention programme for ‘nuisance’ offenders that works

2. 4 highlights of 2007 - 08 87% completion rate 0 offences committed by participants whilst on Programme Average alcohol consumption falls from 120 units to 25 units per client per week £800 per client per Programme Alcohol Education Probation Service

3. Background Available to Edinburgh Courts since 1991 Aimed at those whose offending is related to alcohol use Works in partnership with Supervising Social Workers, Courts & participant Alcohol Education Probation Service

4. The Scottish Drunk!

5. Who Men & women, but gender specific groups Over 16 years Must be motivated to address offending behaviour Must acknowledge link between alcohol & offending Usually on a Probation Order ‘Nuisance’ offenders, (BofP, Assault, D&D) Alcohol Education Probation Service

6. Referrals / Assessment Referrals from social work & the Courts Assessment looks at alcohol history & pattern of use Offending history and pattern of offending Motivation & capacity to change Alcohol Education Probation Service

7. The Programme 8 week programme, 2 hour sessions, 8 sessions Evening or day groups to fit with employment Education & Cognitive Behavioural approach Knowledge of alcohol effects, physical & psychological How alcohol links to offending Consequences of offending Tools to control alcohol use, decision-making skills Alcohol Education Probation Service

8. Why Groups? Importance of Peer support Importance of Peer challenging Importance of learning from and identifying with Peers Importance of role of Supervising Officer to encourage attendance and provide 1-to-1 support Cost effectiveness Alcohol Education Probation Service

9. Measuring Outcomes Attendance & attitude on Group Self-reported changes in behaviour Weekly & Completion Reports Alcohol Knowledge Quiz scores Drink-diary kept for the 8 weeks Attitude towards victim(s) Supervising social workers report to Courts Alcohol Education Probation Service

10. Future Plans Expand to 10 weeks Hold ‘recap’ Groups 8 – 9 months after completion Roll-out across Scotland Alcohol Education Probation Service

11. Conclusion Runs in partnership with Social Work & Courts Addresses ‘low-level’ offending Low-cost, (£800 per participant) Effective – 87% completion, reduction in alcohol & offending behaviours Accessible – groups only need to be of 4+ persons, with a ‘set Programme’ can be delivered ‘anywhere‘ by ‘anyone’ Alcohol Education Probation Service