AQO 1610/22-27
Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim
Tabled Date: 13/02/2025
Answered On Date: 24/07/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to outline how her Department works with women and girls, in contact with the justice system, who have offended or are at risk of offending.
Answer:
ORAL QUESTION No 11 - AQO 1610 22-27 ANSWER I recognise that a distinct approach is needed for women and girls who have offended, or are on the cusp of offending. That is why I launched the Supporting Change Strategy in March 2022, which fosters partnership working across and beyond justice to address the specific needs of this group. Under this Strategy, a range of initiatives have progressed. The PSNI have developed a Dignity in Custody gender responsive policy, covering health, hygiene, welfare issues, and the specific needs and vulnerabilities of females. It is also in the process of securing the designation of custody suites as Onus ‘Safe Places’. Looking to girls, the Youth Justice Agency has developed guidance underpinned by its Model of Practice and Child First principles. It has commissioned research to develop a better understanding of young women’s needs, helping staff to effectively support young women and girls and utilising best practice. Moving from juvenile to adult justice can be daunting. To combat this, Youth Justice and Probation are developing a transition protocol to support young women with the move. In respect of women, Hydebank Wood College has a dedicated Women’s Worker to support the unique needs of women in custody. Also, in recognition that many are also victims, the rollout of ‘White Ribbon’ training to both staff and prisoners is helping to raise awareness that violence against women and girls is unacceptable. Through the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime, Probation are funded to deliver the ENGAGE project. ENGAGE works with women in custody and the community, to build resilience and equip them with the skills and learning to withstand paramilitary influence when they exit the justice system. These are just some examples of my Department’s work to support a reduction in offending and reoffending by women and girls. However, there is a much more happening, ‘on the ground’ across and beyond justice to support women and girls move away from crime. This is not something justice can do alone and I am hopeful that the new crossgovernmental strategy on offending and reoffending will strengthen our collective efforts to create brighter futures and safer communities.
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