Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice
Today I wish to provide Members with an update on the delivery of the Youth Justice and Women’s Justice Blueprints. This update coincides with the publication of our latest Implementation Plans, highlighting progress to date and our continued commitment in delivering our future work programme on community safety.
I last provided Members with an update on the Blueprints programme in November 2021. I am pleased to be able to inform you of our continued progress in the delivery of this important programme. Some examples include:
- The establishment of a training framework for staff working with women who come into contact with the criminal justice system. This bespoke Blueprint, multi-agency gender and trauma informed training package is being rolled out to all agencies working in the criminal justice landscape.
- Work is continuing on the implementation of Diversion Initiatives for women across Wales as part of the Women’s Pathfinder. Diversion services are in place for women across each of the four police force areas in Wales. South Wales and Gwent police forces areas are also delivering an Out of Court Disposal pilot aimed at enhancing and expanding diversion opportunities in respect of low level, repeat offenders.
- We have commenced referrals to the Forensic Adolescent Consultation Treatment Service for Enhanced Case Management. Enhanced Case Management is available to all Youth Offending Teams (YOT) in Wales for children in voluntary and statutory contact with YOTs.
- The Pathfinder report “A Child First Pathfinder Evaluation - Ceredigion Youth Justice and Prevention Service has been published. The findings will be utilised to inform the development of a Youth Justice Prevention Framework for Wales.
Last week an announcement was made on the location of the Residential Women’s Centre in Wales. This is a key element within our Women’s Justice Blueprint[1]. We have engaged closely with the Ministry of Justice and other key partners during its development, and I can confirm the new centre will be located in Cockett near Swansea. The Residential Women’s Centre will improve the lives of women in Wales, providing a more holistic, trauma informed approach to delivering services for women who may find themselves involved in the criminal justice system in Wales. Importantly, it will also allow women to stay closer to home and to maintain crucial family ties, especially with their children.
I recognise that important developments such as the Residential Women’s Centre, and those referenced earlier in this statement, were made achievable through the staunch support of our partners. I am thankful for this support. And whilst justice remains for the present a reserved matter, we will continue with this collaborative approach to progress our commitments to reducing crime and reoffending.
I would also like to reassure Members that I will continue to meet with UK Justice Ministers, to discuss and progress the work that is being undertaking in relation to the Blueprints and wider justice matters. I will keep Members informed of progress.
[1] Previously known as the Female Offending Blueprint