A SCHEME supporting vulnerable women in Dorset has received a special commendation.

The Footprints Female Out of Court Diversionary scheme, funded by Dorset Police and Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner and provided by The Footprints Project, was given a special commendation at the 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 the rehabilitative scheme.

The Howard League Community Awards recognise the country's successful community projects encouraging progressive reforms in relation to criminal justice. The Footprints Female Diversionary scheme was one of nine to be shortlisted in the women's category.

Judges gave the scheme, which was launched in 2019, a special commendation after being impressed by the high levels of engagement, the level of monitoring and the positive feedback from women who have been through the scheme.

Between April 2019 and September 2020, 130 women were referred to the Dorset scheme.

Of the 86 who reached the six-month post-disposal point, which is where re-offending begins to be recorded, 93.1 per cent have not reoffended.

Jen Howard, adult out of court disposals manager for Dorset Police, said: "Evidence shows that female offenders often have more complex needs than men and do not always benefit from short-term prison sentences.

"Dorset Police is committed to supporting vulnerable people and better understanding how certain circumstances can lead to these offences. Supporting these individuals to address the things that make them vulnerable can ultimately stop reoffending and help them lead happier and more fulfilled lives.

"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."

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, and I’m glad to see it receive the national recognition it deserves through having been commended for this prestigious award."