Justice agencies will hold their first action meeting next week to help address offending in the community.

Minister of Justice Michael Scott explained the meetings stem from a conference held last month at the Fairmont Southampton hotel.

The conference was called ‘Building Connections in the Community, Restoring Hope'. According to Mr Scott, it covered subjects relating to the proper administration of justice coupled with transformational and rehabilitative programmes.

Topics included what judges need to know about mental health, addressing gangs, working with schools, spirituality and treatment and emerging drug trends.

It was attended by more than 250 participants from the public and private sectors, faith-based community, Government boards, barristers, family members, concerned citizens and young people.

Mr Scott told the House of Assembly: “The sessions laid foundations for linking services together with public and private sector efforts to restore efforts in the community to address offending behaviours in a just and systematic manner, thus preventing recidivism.”

Mr Scott said action groups were formed as a result of the conference so the parties can work together.

“The first action meeting is to be held on March 17 and each attendee must bring three items that their department or agency is prepared to commit to,” said Mr Scott.