SGSSS-DTP/Scottish Government PhD +3/1+3 StudentshipExploring the potential for policy and practice change in the use of early intervention, diversion and community sentences for people who use drugs in Scotland

This PhD study addresses a current priority area in Scotland: how people with problem drug use can be diverted from the criminal justice system (CJS) and considered, first and foremost, in need of health/social care. The responsibility for drugs policy moved from Justice to Health in the Scottish Government in April 2016 creating new opportunities to look at problem drug use through a health lens. This move is part of a wider concern in Scotland to address deep-rooted health inequalities prevalent amongst those facing criminal sanctions for drug-taking behaviour. The Partnership for Action on Drugs in Scotland (PADS) was established early in 2016 and brings together a broad range of interests in a collective endeavour to energise the drugs sector in Scotland and build a more inclusive response to this complex and controversial area. It is important for PADS to understand the extent to which people with drug problems in Scotland have access to a full range of disposal options, including early interventions and diversion from prosecution (EID). The proposed PhD study will address a gap in the evidence base and examine health and justice responses which aim to benefit people with problem drug use, their families and Scottish society, and reduce harms. All stages of diversion, from pre-arrest, pre-conviction, to conviction and community sentences, will be included. The study design involves three iterative phases of qualitative research-in-action designed to develop a shared understanding of both existing practice and potential EID schemes. The aim is to directly influence policy and practice development and make a unique contribution to socio-legal studies. Using synthesis of existing studies and routine data it will also examine the reach and effectiveness of EID initiatives and note gaps for different population groups. Analysis and recommendations will be situated within an international context of evidence-based ‘better practices’ in EID.