Thanks to The Southall Trust, we are piloting a new approach for women involved in the justice system in Plymouth. On top of our usual free, confidential in-court service, we are now offering a regular drop-in at the Women’s Sunflower Centre.
Trauma, poverty and unmet needs
Frequently, women involved in the justice system are affected by trauma, poverty and unmet needs. Generally, the majority are vulnerable women who need support for the underlying reasons for court attendance.
Government plans for women and girls
Government has been piloting women’s problem-solving courts in Manchester (since 2014) and Birmingham (since 2023). As a result, The Centre for Justice Innovation and the National Women’s Justice Coalition have produced reports into the effectiveness of this approach.
Earlier this year, The Women’s Justice Board announced a Women’s Justice Reform Programme to reduce female imprisonment.
Charities like CASS+ are ideally placed to support these vulnerable women within a community setting.
Steve Parker, CEO
Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs)
Intensive Supervision Courts will now expand to improve women’s wellbeing and reduce crime and imprisonment. Thankfully, the government has just announced a further £31.6m for third sector interventions.
What are the main issues?
Each week, we meet vulnerable women in the court waiting areas. Unfortunately, many have experienced trauma, domestic abuse and mental health problems. A history of alcohol, drug use and self-harm are also common. All too often, their needs have not been addressed early enough.
Also, women are often more likely to be offending as a result of victimisation, including exploitation and coercive control. Hence they can go on to commit non-violent, low-level offences and receive short custodial sentences.
Long term, they need employment because they are not financially independent.
Diverting away from crime
We believe there is a need for more effective alternatives to divert women away from crime. Ultimately, each woman needs specialist support for:
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Domestic abuse
- Drug or alcohol issues
- Accommodation
- Finance and debt
- Accessing local services
- Preparing for court
Addressing the underlying reasons for court
Overall, with our track record of working with vulnerable clients caught up in the justice system, we are in a strong position to help.
Our aim is to work with our local partners to support each woman towards a more settled lifestyle.
Patsy Oddie, Operations Manager
What we will do
Significantly, there’s a detrimental effect on women’s wellbeing from imprisonment, particularly when children are involved.
We will work with each woman for as long as she needs us, supporting them to address the underlying reasons for being caught up in the justice system. Work will be undertaken with third sector partners to ensure they receive the support they need.
Our goal is to keep them out of the justice system.
Patsy Oddie, Operations Manager
One consistent point of contact
In summary, we will be the one consistent point of contact for a client, working with them to identify the highest areas of need. We will build on our strong network of referral stakeholders to create a tailored pathway and wrap-around support for each person.
Women’s Sunflower Centre
Our Criminal Justice Navigator will be available to meet women involved in the justice system at the Women’s Sunflower Centre fortnightly from Thursday 9th July: Thursdays, 9.30 – 11.30am.
Perfectly-placed inside the courts
Additionally, we will continue to support from our hubs in Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth, Bodmin and Truro, coordinating the right support. From there, they will get tailored support. This is because we can connect them with local services and stay by their side for as long as they want.
Let’s talk
Find your local centre here.
Find out more
Watch this video to learn how our team can support you in building a more settled life.