The Government have published a document outlining the strategy for addressing the complex needs of females in the Criminal Justice System.

‘This strategy sets out the Government’s commitment to a new programme of work for female offenders, driven by three priorities: earlier intervention, an emphasis on community-based solutions, and an aim to make custody as effective and decent as possible for those women who do have to be there. It also sets out our framework for taking this forward: it is only through effective partnerships, at national and local level, that progress can really happen. In particular, I know that the role of third sector partners, such as women’s centres, working with local statutory bodies, will be key to taking this forward.’