Scottish youth justice framework published

Early intervention and prevention form a strong part of the framework, including creating more positive opportunities for young people and improving positive behaviour and relationships in schools.

Improving information sharing is also highlighted as an area for action, along with more work on drug-related offending.

The framework has been agreed by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, police chiefs and youth justice agencies.

Fergus Ewing, minister for community safety, said: "This framework puts in place a clear plan so everyone in Scotland knows what is being done to tackle youth offending.

"We need to give young people more choices and chances and we are also tackling the root causes of crime - drink, drugs and deprivation - to make sure less young people are trapped in the cycle that leads to the life of crime."