Female Out of Court Diversionary Scheme
Women in prison are often victims of domestic abuse and struggle with mental health issues which directly lead to their conviction. They often have parental responsibilities meaning that a sentence can lead to generational, long-term harm on innocent children. To prevent this and tackle the root causes of these crimes, Footprints is teamed up with the Dorset Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner to help women identified as vulnerable under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (“PACE”).
Under the diversionary service, police issue a conditional caution to women classified as vulnerable, who are first-time offenders or have not committed a similar crime for 2 years. Women on the scheme meet our specialist staff regularly for 16 weeks as part of their caution. Our all-female trauma-informed staff will support them to address their needs such as low income, homelessness and mental and physical health. By doing this, the women can move on to live a meaningful life free of crime.
Impact of our Diversionary Scheme
Ever since the project started in 2019, it has been highly successful; Last year we supported 82 people of which
93% of women on the service complete their condition
92% of women on the service did not reoffend (6-month proven statistics, Dorset Police), reducing reoffending by 50% compared to the 2019 control group.
Furthermore, the scheme was awarded a commendation from the Howard League for Penal Reform community awards, women's section in 2020.
