
Justice Changes Her Face
What Women’s Problem-Solving Courts can teach us about taking a Community Based Whole Systems Approach to Improving Criminal Justice Outcomes
In this report, Drs Ruth Armstrong and Shona Minson explore the development and evaluation of women’s problem-solving courts (WPSC) in the UK and internationally. Drawing on a detailed review of existing literature, evaluations, and court observations, alongside interviews with practitioners and participants, the report examines how these courts address the unique challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system. It highlights the aspects of problem-solving courts that contribute to their effectiveness, many of which reflect principles of systemic thinking, even if not explicitly designed as systems change initiatives.
This report was presented to attendees of a joint Clinks and Weavers' Company summit - 'Justice and Women: A New Direction'. The summit also launched a grant-funded invitation for policy experts and practitioners to support a future intervention tackling the issues of women in custody. Find out more about this consortium opportunity here.