Evaluation of Sixteen Women's Community Justice Services in Scotland - Research Findings

Characteristics of women in services

The average age of women in WCJSs was 34 years (ranging from 16 to 68 years), and the majority were White British. Half of all women were mothers to children under 16 years. One third of these women lived with their children, while another third had access to their children in the care of others. Combined, they were mothers to almost 1,600 children.

Most women had 'medium' to 'very high' LS/CMI scores (which measure risk and need) and were likely to have previous convictions.

Women often entered WCJSs with multiple and complex needs. The most common issues women presented with were poor mental/emotional health, lack of purposeful or rewarding activities, substance misuse, difficulty in solving everyday problems, and unstable or unsupportive family/social relationships. There was also an indication of high rates of trauma or abuse, where measured.

Women did not often present with physical or sexual health needs (though these may only become known over time), or hold views or attitudes that supported offending behaviour.