Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to The Concordat on Women in or at risk of contact with the Criminal Justice System, published on 23 January 2021, what assessment he has made of the areas in England and Wales that do not have a Whole System Approach in place or being planned, but which are suitable for one.

The aim of a Whole System Approach for women in or at risk of contact with the criminal justice system is to allow local partners to work together more effectively, using existing resources differently to provide a joined up response targeting support, avoiding gaps and/or duplication in service provision. There is no single model for a Whole System Approach as the most effective will reflect local needs and circumstances. Therefore, there is no reason in principle why any local area could not adopt a Whole System Approach tailored to local needs.

One of the aims of publishing the Concordat, which sets out strong support for the whole system approach, is that it will promote further interest and take up locally.

In Wales, the Future 4 Women’s Pathfinder Whole System Approach (and 18-25 Early Intervention Service) was launched in South Wales and Gwent in October 2019, building on the learning from the Integrated Offender Management Cymru Women’s Pathfinder initiative (2013). The Service provides an example of an effective multi-agency, joined up approach between public, private and third sector organisations, working to address the complex needs and vulnerabilities of women in Wales, and enabling women to have opportunities to live positive, independent lives.