Female Out of Court Diversionary Scheme

We are delivering a new female Out of Court Diversionary scheme in partnership with Dorset Police and PCC. The scheme works with women who are classified as vulnerably and are at the point of arrest of committing a crime

for the first time or
have previous criminal record but have not offended in the past 2 years.

The women are given a conditional caution and opportunity to work with us rather than their offence progressing to court. Vulnerabilities include mental health problems, women living in coercive or controlling relationships, domestic violence, and committing petty crime to support their family. Women will meet with our specialist worker once a week for 4-6 weeks and are then offered volunteer support with any on-going problems.

The scheme launched in April 2019 and offers support for up to 100 women per year.

You can read about the results from the pilot scheme here.

93% of women do not reoffend, producing a return on investment of £1.33 for every £1 invested.

The scheme was awarded a commendation from the Howard League for Penal Reform community awards, women's section in 2020.

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Meet the team

Referral details for Hampshire and Dorset. General Enquiries, press and media enquiries.
Our Vision

Our vision is to build stronger and safer local communities by providing person centred support for offenders or those who are at risk of offending, reducing reoffending and increasing life chances. 46% of all prisoners will re-offend within a year of release. For those serving short custodial sentences and young offenders this raises to over 80%.
Mentoring

We offer mentoring and practical support for those who are returning to live in Dorset, and Hampshire. Staff will visit people in prison to assess their needs around housing, education training and employment, finance and debt, mental and physical health, substance misuse, families and children as well as attitudes, thinking and behaviour. The staff will then co-produce an action plan for release with the client.
Approved Premises

Prisoners who are classified as “high risk of harm to the public” often reside in Approved Premises run by the National Probation Service for the first 3-6 months after release. They can be a long way from home, isolating them from positive influences such as friends or family support and making it difficult to secure employment. To address these needs, we are piloting three support and employment schemes at Glogan House, Bridgwater, Dickson’s House, Fareham and the Grange, Waterlooville.
Volunteer for us

Our volunteers come from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, faiths and ages. Each has their own reason for volunteering including a chance to give back and support those less fortunate, to share my life experience and skills, to make a difference, to gain skills or experience to enable students to progress to a career in support or criminal justice services, a chance to expand their horizons and meet new people or to help us fundraise to keep the work going.
Apply to volunteer

How to apply as a volunteer
Female Out of Court Diversionary Scheme

In partnership with Dorset Police and PCC we have developed Out of Court Diversionary Scheme for women at the point of arrest for the first time or those who have a previous criminal record but have not offended in the past 2 years and are classified as vulnerable. These women are given a conditional caution and opportunity to work with us rather than progressing to court. Vulnerabilities include mental health problems, women living in coercive or controlling relationships, domestic violence
Our Trustees
Community Hub
Women in Criminal Justice Panel Event