Community-based justice is “failing” Tayside offenders and “putting the public at risk”, a senior politician has claimed.
More than half of offenders who take part in a mentoring programme show no improvement in areas like finance, housing, work or employment.
The mentoring programme, which is often offered as part of a community payback order can be an alternative to prison.
However, while engagement with the service is high, the majority of offenders saw no chance in their attitudes towards offending or reducing the impact of drugs and alcohol last year.
Despite this, the report notes the vast majority of offenders are willing to engage in the system and have had positive experiences though it.
North East MSP Alex Johnstone said: “The SNP is determined to keep criminals out of prison, so I’m concerned that individuals who may receive better rehabilitation in jail are being put on these programmes regardless.
“This puts the public at risk, so when the Scottish Government devises an alternative to custody…it ought to make sure it is going to work. On this evidence, that appears not to be the case.”
The report into reducing offending through the women only and mentoring for men programmes by the Tayside Council on Alcohol will be considered by the Tayside Community Justice Authority on Tuesday.
The Conservative MSP added: “The aims of this scheme are honourable enough, and it’s clear that those working on it are doing their best… but there is no question that these figures are deeply disappointing.
“These schemes can play an important role in the rehabilitation of offenders, but as it stands, it will look like soft touch justice to many.”
However Eric Knox, director of the TCA which runs the service, said many of the outcomes, including people who stay the same, were positive.
He said: “The client group we are working with have particularly chaotic lives and a very, very slight change to them is significant.
“A high number of them haven’t deteriorated. These are people who are on a downward spiral.
“They aren’t reoffending. They build up skills, confidence and self-esteem.”
“Working with them I see the difference. Even people you wouldn’t expect to turn their lives around.”
He pointed to the 49% of men who had improved relationships with their families and 51% who found positive ways to use their leisure time.
Mr Knox added: “Prison isn’t the answer for these people. It’s really short-sighted for anyone to say otherwise.
“The prisons couldn’t cope.”
The report also highlights some cases where people’s situations improved, including a prolific shoplifter and a woman who assaulted a police officer.