Northumbria chosen for pilot to help women caught in a cycle of re-offending
The Northumbria Police force area is set to become one of a handful of areas across England to host an Intensive Supervision Court (ISC) – specifically to support women. Its aim is to help break the cycle of re-offending by tackling the issues that drive women into criminal behaviour.
The Ministry of Justice has announced a £9 million funding boost to create new sites for the expansion of ISCs, building on early existing pilot sites, including the women’s court in Birmingham.
Four of the six new ISCs are women’s courts, which marks a positive step forward to reducing women’s imprisonment and reflects the Government’s aim to send fewer women to prison.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth has welcomed the initiative coming to her force area, and hopes it will help reduce crime, cut reoffending, and improve outcomes for women offenders and victims across Northumbria.
Whilst women are a minority in the Criminal Justice System (CJS), many are vulnerable, have experienced multiple disadvantages, and are often victims of serious crime themselves – all are believed to play a part in driving offending.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “So many reports and studies highlight the chaos and disruption caused to women and their families arising from prison sentences. And so, I am delighted that we have been successful in securing this ISC as an option for women for our area.
“The initiative presents a real opportunity for us to work differently with women offenders – in a more trauma informed, supportive and holistic way and through community-based alternatives.
“We know when mums go to prison it can really impact children too – there is the trauma of separation, social isolation, shame, and often a lack of support for their needs. So, if we can reduce the impact of a prison sentence on women, hopefully it will reduce the risk of children following their mother into the criminal justice system -which can only be a good thing.”
The PCC also made a further announcement, adding: “Taking some of the learnings from the Birmingham ISC, I will also be funding a voluntary ‘step down’ process for women when they have completed their intensive supervision period – helping them adjust to their independence without scrutiny or oversight.
“Prevention is a key theme throughout my Police and Crime Plan, and I believe by focusing on the root causes of offending, we are providing a more constructive alternative to punishment alone.
“I really want us to do all we can, working together across the criminal justice system so we can help reduce the number of women entering and progressing though it.
This will provide valuable support to local women and their families”.
ISCs are a problem-solving court model that allows women to serve their court imposed order in the community, with regular judicial monitoring and coordinated multi-agency support, providing an alternative route to prison.
The Northumbria Intensive Supervision Court is expected to go live this year and will be delivered in collaboration with criminal justice partners and agencies.
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