A PARTNERSHIP between Dorset Police, The Footprints Project and Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner was given a special commendation for a scheme which supports vulnerable women and reduces reoffending.

The Footprints Female Out of Court Diversionary Scheme is one of the projects that was recognised by the 2020 Howard League Community Awards.

The scheme works with women who have committed and admitted low level offences, but are identified by the police as vulnerable.

They are issued with an out of court disposal and given the opportunity to take part in this rehabilitative scheme.

The 2020 Howard League Community Awards deemed this scheme as one of the country’s most successful community projects that encourages progressive reforms in relation to criminal justice.

Launched by Dorset Police in April 2019, the service is provided by The Footprints Project.

It has been funded by Dorset Police and the Dorset PCC.

Support workers work with women referred to the scheme by Dorset Police for a maximum period of 16 weeks to address vulnerabilities such as mental health problems, coercive or controlling relationships, domestic abuse, and committing lower level crimes to support their family.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill said: "Nationally, the vast majority of women who serve sentences of less than 12 months end up reoffending within a year – and that is a situation in which there are no winners.

"I’m proud to have provided funding enabling this project to break the revolving door of reoffending."

For many, the scheme provides support, a safe space to talk about their issues and an understanding that there is another way forward for them.

The Footprints Female Out of Court Diversionary Scheme was one of nine projects to be shortlisted in the Women’s category at the virtual ceremony on October 20.

Judges gave the scheme a special commendation after being particularly struck by high levels of engagement, the level of monitoring and outcomes, and the positive feedback from women who have been through the scheme.

Adult Out of Court Disposals Manager for Dorset Police, Jen Howard said: "This commendation is a recognition of how working collaboratively with our partners can make the difference in supporting our most vulnerable communities – the evidence speaks for itself."

CEO of The Footprints Project, Caroline Stevens added: "I am really pleased that we’ve been recognised as part of such a prestigious event. I am proud of what we’ve achieved in the first year of the scheme and know we will see so many more positive stories still to come."