Addressing the Crisis in the Criminal Justice System

The Role of Approved Premises particularly for women offenders

By Dr. Ann Collins,

Recent events, such as the sentencing of rioters, have once again drawn attention to the ongoing pressures within our prison system. Overcrowding has been a persistent issue, with prison staff increasingly expected to deliver services under strained conditions due to continuous budget cuts.  This systemic problem has only worsened over time, making the need for reform more urgent than ever.

Early signals from the Labour Party indicate a commitment to addressing these issues, including proposals for an early release program starting tomorrow, aimed at reducing the number of inmates in our overcrowded prisons.  While this is a necessary focus, how it is implemented is critical to avoid creating further issues down the line. With the appointment of James Timpson as the new Prison Minister, there is hope that meaningful change can begin to address these and many other issues in this area.

This issue resonates with me personally, as I have spent over 12 years working independently within a lesser-known area of the Criminal Justice System: women-only approved premises (often referred to as probation hostels), which are part of the probation service within the Ministry of Justice.

Recent figures show that in England and Wales, there are 104 approved premises, the majority of which are run by the probation service.  Twelve are managed by probation-approved independent organisations, and nine of these are exclusively for women.  Despite their crucial role in helping women transition from prison back into the community, there remains a significant lack of understanding or acknowledgement of the importance of these facilities.

Women offenders constitute just 4% of the prison population. Over the last 20 years, despite several government inquiries and reports into the issues faced by women offenders, the previous government’s Female Offender Strategy (2018) concluded that prison is not the answer. Yet, there exists a resource like approved premises situated within the community, where women can be redirected away from prison and receive more individualised support and therapeutic interventions to aid their rehabilitation.

My experience working in a women-only independent approved premise (with a 24-bed capacity) and providing trauma-informed psychological support and therapy to female offenders has given me direct insight into the consequences of neglect in this area. This is further evidenced in my research, “A Psychotherapeutic Service for Women in an Independent Approved Premise: A Case Study.” Read more here.

This qualitative organisational study explores the experiences of staff and female offenders (referred to as residents).  It highlights the positive impact that staff in approved premises have on residents, along with a reduction in recall rates when residents receive psychotherapy that leads to the successful completion of their placements. However, this requires further exploration but demonstrates the potential benefits of stopping the “revolving door” of women returning to prison.

The study also specifically highlights the challenges in the prison’s referral process to approved premises. Over time, this has led to an increase in the number of medium-to high-risk women being referred, with implications for staff safety and risk management, including vicarious trauma.  There has been a disparity in how prisons refer women, lacking consistency or, in some cases, not referring at all, which has created an underutilization of this resource. The early release scheme has perhaps now refocused attention on approved premises, but this needs a consistent and integrated approach within the prison system to ensure it is effective and to prevent approved premises from facing similar challenges.

My experience in this field has shown me just how vital approved premises are, not only in alleviating overcrowding in prisons but also in providing an environment where real rehabilitation can take place.  Given that women commit less serious offences than men—68% of women are imprisoned for non-violent offences, and 50% receive sentences of less than six months—approved premises are crucial. To reach their full potential, these facilities need more attention, resources, and a strategic role within the broader criminal justice system.

Visibility of Approved Premises and their capabilities is crucial. Elizabeth Fry supports women through these facilities, offering essential residential support and tailored interventions for those involved in the criminal justice system. These premises are instrumental in addressing the challenges discussed in this blog. The work provided by Elizabeth Fry is vital for reducing recidivism and facilitating successful reintegration into society.