The number of offenders referred to social workers rather than prosecuted in the courts has almost doubled in six years, official figures show.

In total, 1812 people were sent to "diversion from prosecution" schemes in 2014/15 - up from 962 in 2008/09, Scottish Government criminal justice social work statistics show.

The schemes offer social work services to people referred by the procurator fiscal to address issues related to their offending and avoid the behaviour being repeated.

Some of the most common difficulties are alcohol and drug misuse, financial problems, relationship issues and mental health problems.

The report states: "In Scotland, during 2014-15, there were 3000 referrals (to diversion schemes), 2500 assessments, 1900 cases commenced and 1400 cases completed.

"Almost 30% of cases commenced in 2014-15 were for under-18s, with those aged 18 to 20 accounting for a further 16%.

"Under-21s are substantially over-represented when the population base is taken into account which likely reflects a general focus on diversion for this age group.

"Just under half (48%) of diversion cases commenced in 2014-15 involved people who were unemployed.

"On the whole, those diverted to social work are less likely to be unemployed than those getting community payback or drug treatment and testing orders."

Statisticians advised some earlier figures have been revised down due to a change in recording method at Edinburgh Council.

The report added: "In the case of more minor offences, the procurator fiscal may decide to refer the case to criminal justice social work rather than prosecuting the individual through the courts or offering other fiscal direct measures.

"In such cases, prosecution is waived, subject to successful completion of the scheme.

"Diversion from prosecution schemes have been in existence in Scotland since the early 1980s and aim to provide support and advice in relation to the underlying causes of offending, such as problematic substance use.

"In the late 1990s, the Scottish Office provided funding for a number of pilot schemes, which were rolled out across Scotland in 2000.

"Historically, diversion involves relatively low volumes compared to other fiscal disposals such as fines and warnings, or court proceedings.

"While the number of diversion cases commenced fluctuated around the 1000 mark prior to 2011-12, they have risen each year since then and now sit at around double that level."