A Probation perspective for International women’s day events,

March 2013.

Pathways into offending is different to men;

Range of offences are different; more RTA,theft, less criminal damage,

lower level of violence,

Many female offenders;

serve short prison sentences for relatively minor offences, few for violenceare poor, lack education, Are low skilled, unemployedare single parents of young childrenHave significant accommodation needsHave mental health issues Abuse drugs/alcoholHistory of abuse, childhood or adult traumaLow self esteem, self worth.

Issues relating to children, abuse, self injury/suicide, addiction warrant attention in their own right

Accurate assessment= effective interventions.

More holistic approach leads to better interventions & outcomes

Female offending is multi –faceted & complex,

Community interventions for women to address needs can reduce offending /custody.

Umbrella of Tallaght DTF & local partnership

Looks at the needs of women involved with the CJS

Statutory, NGOs/voluntary sector, TPP, housing, traveller community, service users voice.

Creating a space for women in local projects, groups.

Sharing of knowledge, what works, experience, sharing resources.

Raising awareness of issues.

Throughcare in/out Dochas, links with Probation & ISM prison officers.

In-reach services to Dochas Input into pre-release programmes One identified specialist Probation officer in

Tallaght Identified PO in Dochas for Tallaght

women. Community return /Community Service .

Community sanctions

Case management

Family friendly appts

Female space within services

Holistic approach

Focus on strengths

Talk about impact of crime (self,

family, children) Keep in touch if

imprisoned. Outreach Join up the dots!!!

Prison Based team, part of multi D team.

Assessment Court reports, Parole

Board reports One to One Group work ( SAOl,

talking to children) HSE links, Case

conferences

Community & Family links Projects ISM process Through-care/Tus Nua. Post Release Plans Community Return Joint training with prison

staff (WASP, Child protection)

Restorative justice pilot.

Specific Female offender Strategy, a different approach, expand on current initiatives,

Gender responsive assessments, projects, interventions

Better co-ordination of services Utilise community resources Research/evaluation ,test

Change of thinking/direction Complexity of issues facing female

offenders Develop special skills Resources, joint up approach Wider CJS issues, sentencing, policy

development. Equality ….and justice for all!