Care Not Custody
Out of Court Diversion for women
Care Not Custody offers women in Sussex who come into contact with the Criminal Justice System the opportunity to engage in one-to-one support with a female Caseworker from BWC (Brighton Women’s Centre ). We offer a safe space for women to explore issues they feel are relevant to a fulfilling life free from re-offending.
Out of Court Diversion
An Out of Court Diversion is an option that Police can issue as an alternative to being charged in court for an offence. Instead of going to court, the person who has been arrested is ‘diverted’ to a supportive scheme run in the community. Successful Out of Court diversions address the reasons people offend and seek to avoid further offending.
When a woman receives a Community Resolution or Conditional Caution (for an eligible offence) from Sussex Police, she may be referred to Care not Custody.
To go ahead the woman needs to admit responsibility and then agree to participate in the Care not Custody Diversion scheme. Together we can assess the woman’s situation, help to address a range of practical and emotional needs, and look to access support.
A Community Resolution (CR) is way of resolving an offence in the community without being charged or going to court. A referral to the Care not Custody scheme is agreed as an outcome by the Sussex Police Officer, in consultation with the victim and the woman committing the offence.
A CR is issued by email to all parties, so they have a record of the outcome. It is a voluntary agreement and not directly enforceable by the police. A CR does not give someone a criminal record, but a record of it is retained on local police systems. A CR is not disclosed on a standard DBS check but may be disclosed on an enhanced DBS check. A previous CR will be taken into consideration if further offences are committed.
When a Conditional Caution is issued to a woman in Sussex who has committed an eligible offence, the condition of the caution will be to engage with the Care not Custody Diversion scheme.
A Conditional Caution is enforceable, which means that if the woman doesn’t comply with the condition then the offence may still be charged to court. In this case Care not Custody will refer the woman back to Sussex Police.
A Conditional Caution is not a conviction, but it does form part of a criminal record.
Safety. We know that feeling safe - physically and psychologically - is essential for women who have experienced trauma to receive support and start the process of change. We provide safe, women-only environments in our hubs across Sussex.
Support. BWC has an experienced team of caseworkers, equipped to support women who face multiple disadvantage, linked to accommodation, financial pressure, mental health, domestic abuse, and substance dependency.
Working together. At the heart of our approach is the relationship between each woman and her caseworker. We want each woman referred to us to build a relationship based on trust, mutual respect and transparency. Because we know that each woman is the expert in her own life, we empower women to take control back in their lives.
Non-judgemental. We help women from all backgrounds, facing all kinds of issues, to live happier, safer lives. We won’t judge or tell women we support what to do.
Trauma-informed. We understand that many women we support have extensive experiences of trauma. We prioritise listening to them and believing them. We work with them to coproduce support in the areas they wish to see change.
Strength based. We use our extensive experience in supporting women to access the support they need. We understand that every woman has strengths and abilities, and we help her to build on those, as well as seeking to build up her sense of self-worth and resilience so she can start to change her future.
How many times will I meet my Caseworker?
To comply with the Community Resolution or Conditional Caution issued, you need to attend one appointment with Care not Custody. (BWC will notify Sussex Police if you do not comply.) The Care not Custody offer extends beyond this first appointment. It’s up to you whether you continue to engage and what that could look like.
How do I contact my Caseworker?
Once you’ve been referred to Care not Custody your caseworker will make contact with you, and arrange to meet for your first appointment. At this point she will give you her contact details so you can stay in touch.
Where will I meet my Caseworker?
This depends on your situation, where you live, your mobility, and your circumstances. Meetings might be face-to-face at one of BWC’s women-only hubs local to you, or you may opt to meet by video call. We will try to be flexible and take work, family, training or education commitments into consideration.
Find out more about BWC's services here
Care not Custody is a pilot intervention service in partnership with Sussex Police and Probation, and is funded by the Ministry of Justice.
The Care not Custody project sits within BWC’s Inspire Service
Funded by and working in partnership with:
