Dedicated women’s courts are set to increase the supervision of female offenders in efforts to reduce reoffending rates and strengthen family bonds, as per information obtained by The Mirror. Justice Secretary David Lammy is preparing to announce a rise in the utilization of intensive supervision courts (ISCs) to provide better assistance to at-risk women and prevent criminal activities. Expected next month, Mr. Lammy, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, will introduce a comprehensive women’s justice strategy emphasizing the need for more ISCs to address the underlying causes of criminal conduct.
Presently, a women’s ISC operates in Birmingham, along with three substance misuse facilities at Bristol, Liverpool, and Teesside Crown Courts. In a recent announcement, Mr. Lammy disclosed plans to open a second women-focused ISC in Liverpool. The Women’s Justice Board (WJB), comprising justice sector experts, was established last year with the goal of reducing female incarceration rates and ultimately decreasing the number of women’s prisons. Despite a delay due to ministerial changes, the board is anticipated to release its strategy soon.
Following a meeting with Mr. Lammy earlier this month, a WJB member revealed to The Mirror that funding has been allocated for piloting ISCs at additional locations to expand their reach. Ministry of Justice (MoJ) sources clarified that no final decisions have been made regarding the financing, participants, or quantity of future ISCs. These specialized courts, known as “problem-solving courts,” are highly regarded by experts for their holistic approach to addressing the root causes of offending behavior and exploring non-custodial solutions.
Recent statistics indicate that there are 3,481 women incarcerated in England and Wales, with over half reported as domestic violence survivors. Prisons minister James Timpson acknowledged in November the prevalence of abuse victims in correctional facilities. WJB members emphasized the importance of ISCs in offering tailored interventions for female offenders, particularly in addressing issues like substance abuse and unique needs arising from past victimization experiences.
Former Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who launched the WJB at a Labour conference post-general election, expressed aspirations to reduce the number of women’s prisons. However, the forthcoming WJB strategy is not anticipated to set specific targets for reducing the female prison population. Some advocates advocate for maintaining prisons with fewer inmates and enhanced care services, highlighting the importance of proximity to family and community support for incarcerated women.
An MoJ spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding ISCs, as endorsed by the Deputy Prime Minister in previous statements. The focus remains on enhancing support systems and alternatives to traditional custodial sentences for female offenders.
