Transforming women’s rehabilitation? An early assessment of gender-specific provision in three Community Rehabilitation Companies

Abstract

Following the implementation of the Offender Rehabilitation Act 2014, the Transforming Rehabilitation (TR) reforms expanded the offender management market to include several private providers, known as Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs). The TR reforms have been the subject of intense debate since the outset. Political, academic and campaign-group commentary has critiqued the rapid implementation of the new agenda and examined its likely impact on existing services (particularly those run by the charitable sector). A growing body of research has also questioned the likely impact of the legislation on community provision for women, a field already beset with precarious funding streams. Drawing on 36 interviews conducted with probation officers and practitioners (keyworkers) working for women’s services, this article validates such concerns. While the supposed subjects of an established government strategy, it is particularly regretful to report such findings in the 10th anniversary year of Baroness Corston’s seminal report.