17 September 2008
Justice Minister Maria Eagle has praised the work being carried out by the Together Women Project while speaking at a conference in Liverpool to celebrate their achievements.
The minister also visited the Liverpool-based project to see first hand the work carried out by dedicated staff who apply a multi-agency approach to meeting the many needs of women offenders and those vulnerable to offending.
On her visit Maria Eagle said:
'This project is part of the significant efforts being made across the city to reduce reoffending. It is important that we not only look to stop people from offending again but to prevent people from getting into crime in the first place.
'These women often face complex issues with no support. The project helps the women overcome certain barriers to living a stable life, such as obtaining child care and transport for work, which can sometimes be difficult to access in the community with no advice and support.
'Vulnerable women in the North West who are not a danger to society may benefit more from these kinds of community interventions. However, where women are imprisoned we are committed to ensuring they are held in conditions that are appropriate to ensure their rehabilitation.'
The Together Women project is currently being delivered in two regions, the North West and Yorkshire and Humberside. The North West has two projects currently, one in Salford and the Liverpool project.
Both projects have seconded Probation Service staff within the teams which has been vital in accessing women on community sentences in both areas.
The issues these women face include mental health problems, substance misuse, sexual and domestic abuse and concerns about their children's welfare, poverty and homelessness. The project improves their self esteem and motivation and provides practical support to address social issues that are linked to their offending.
Notes to editors
1. Baroness Jean Corston published an independent Review of Women in the Criminal Justice System with Particular Vulnerabilities in March 2007. The purpose of the review was to look at the measures in place to ensure we were doing everything possible for women with particular vulnerabilities who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
2. As part of the Government's response to the Corston Report, the Ministry of Justice has produced a National Service Framework for Women Offenders which clearly lays out the government's strategy for addressing the needs of women offenders, and represents a significant step forward in efforts to deliver Baroness Corston's recommendations a reality.
3. For more information on the Justice Minister's visit please contact the Ministry of Justice press office on 020 3334 3536.