Intensive supervision courts (ISCs) for women classed as low-level offenders have opened in the North East, making Northumbria one of seven areas in England to run the scheme. The courts aim to help vulnerable women directly confront issues such as trauma and addiction, tackle the root causes of crime, and keep prison for those who pose a risk to the public.
How the courts work
The scheme, launched in 2023, follows models that have shown promising results internationally. In the United States, the approach has been linked to a one-third reduction in reoffending. ISCs give judges a role in monitoring an offender's rehabilitation, with the power to tighten supervision where needed.
Measures available include electronic tags, requiring women to take part in drug and alcohol treatment, and ensuring trauma-informed services are available. The aim is to hold offenders accountable for their offences while addressing the underlying cause.
Local rollout and reaction
The courts sit at North and South Tyneside's magistrates' courts. The first sitting took place at South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Friday 9 October, followed by North Tyneside on Wednesday 14 October.
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 was delighted we were successful in securing the Intensive Supervision Court approach for women in our area."
She added: "We know when mums go to prison it can be devastating for their children often leading to trauma caused by separation, social isolation, and often shame. If we can reduce the impact of prison sentences on women we can keep families together, and hopefully reduce the risk of children following their mother into the criminal justice system, which can only be a good thing for everyone."
Government backing and support services
The expansion comes amid a Government push to reduce the number of women in prison, particularly mothers of young children. Prisons minister Catherine McKinnell, who is also the MP for Newcastle, said: "I've seen too many cases where horrendous domestic abuse and subsequent addiction has led women to a life of crime which can feel impossible to escape alone."
One woman who went through the system, Geraldine Owen, 26, had her offending dealt with by an ISC in Birmingham. She said: "Going through the ISC has saved my life; I've made my way to my own truth. The experience has been powerful and has transformed my life; it has been a necessary chapter in my life."
Suzanne Smith, head of women's justice at the Centre for Justice Innovation, said: "Problem-solving courts bring together the authority of the court and specialist services, including women's centres, and show real promise in reducing women's reoffending. An independent evaluation of the ISCs found improved wellbeing, stronger family relationships and reduced substance use, issues linked to offending."
The Government is investing £32m in local women's centres and charitable services to help stop women becoming embroiled in the criminal justice system. Probation funding will also be boosted by £700m by 2028/2029, allowing the recruitment of 1,300 new probation officers.
