Understanding services that women in prison, on probation, on licence or serving community sentences

Women affected by the criminal justice system often face multiple and interconnected challenges. A period in prison or involvement with probation services can negatively impact a woman’s housing options, family relationships, employment prospects and financial security. Many women leaving prison continue to experience, or are at greater risk of experiencing, trauma, abuse, mental ill-health, substance use, poverty and social exclusion.

Specialist criminal justice involvement services provide practical, emotional and therapeutic support to women in prison, on probation, on licence, serving community sentences, and those resettling into their communities.

Through a gender-responsive and trauma-informed approach, these services support women to achieve positive outcomes for themselves, their families and their communities.

Services supporting women with criminal justice involvement may offer:

• Trauma-informed and therapeutic interventions
• Advocacy and casework support
• Financial advice, debt support and budgeting assistance
• Accommodation and resettlement support
• Life skills development
• Healthy relationships work
• Family and parenting support
• Support with education, training and employment

Criminal justice involvement services seek to address the underlying factors that can contribute to ongoing justice system involvement, while helping women build stability, resilience and independence.