A problem-solving approach to the cycle of crisis and crime: Interim report for Intensive Supervision Courts pilot
The Ministry of Justice has today (20 January 2025) published an interim report of the ongoing process evaluation for its Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs) pilot programme.
Revolving Doors is leading on the process evaluation in partnership with CFE Research.
Intensive Supervision Courts adapt a problem-solving approach to divert individuals away from short custodial sentences and into enhanced community-based sentences, which aim to address their needs and in turn the issues linked to their offending.
The pilot is testing a model of community sentence management between probation and the courts, and currently involves Crown Courts in Liverpool, Teesside and Bristol*. These ISCs have specifically worked with people whose offending is driven by problems with drugs and/or alcohol, using a multi-agency approach to support and supervise them into getting the help they need to break the cycle of offending. Birmingham Magistrates’ Court is also piloting a women’s ISC, which has worked with women with multiple complex needs such as mental health issues and/or experience of domestic violence.
This interim report presents findings from the first wave of research between December 2023 and May 2024, focusing on the ISCs’ initial stages including their setup and participants’ early views and experiences of delivery. We are currently collecting additional data to feed into the final report, which is due to be published later this year.
Pavan Dhaliwal, Chief Executive of Revolving Doors said:
“What we know for sure is that prison sentences rarely work for people caught in cycles of crisis and crime and come at a huge financial and societal cost. The evidence shows that using problem-solving approaches in courts and looking to address root causes such as problematic substance use and poor mental health are the best ways to help people turn their lives around.
It is promising to see early results showing the pilot in England has been able to divert people from custody and into tailored support. We look forward to seeing how it can be widened out into a more mainstream approach to reducing reoffending and preventing more people becoming trapped in the revolving door.”
*Please note that the Bristol Crown Court ISC pilot launched in June 2024 after this report was written and so is not covered – it will be included in the final report.
