A window of opportunity
Understanding the needs and experiences of pregnant women and new mothers in contact with the criminal justice system in the community in England
Clinks and Birth Companions have come together to publish a report providing valuable evidence on the needs and experiences of pregnant women and early mothers in contact with the criminal justice system in the community context.
Based on the lived experiences of these women and those involved in their care, we have made 16 recommendations for change aimed at criminal justice agencies, health services, voluntary sector organisations and social services.
The report, commissioned by the VCSE Health and Wellbeing Alliance, and funded by the Department for Health and Social Care, was informed by surveys that we conducted with professionals in the voluntary sector and specialist midwives, as well as interviews with women with lived experience and the voluntary sector organisations that work with them.