Women and Alternative Sentencing

Available for over a year

A special programme examining alternatives to prison for low-risk female offenders. The numbers of women sent to prison has increased significantly over the past ten years, despite numerous studies showing that community solutions which address the causes of women's offending are more effective than custodial sentences. Are community solutions the way forward or a soft option? Jane Garvey talks to staff and clients at the Anawim Women's Centre in Birmingham. Helen Grant MP, Justice Minister explains the government's new strategy for women offenders. Jane is joined in the studio by Alan Beith MP, Chair of the Justice Select Committee, which is about to publish a report on Women Offenders; Joy Doal, Anawim's Project Manager; and Jenny Earle, director of the Prison Reform Trust's programme to reduce women's imprisonment.