High Sheriff backs pilot scheme designed to break cycle of reoffending
A pilot scheme designed to help rehabilitate women who have entered the criminal justice system break the cycle of reoffending has received praise from the High Sheriff of the West Midlands.
High Sheriff Doug Wright visited the Birmingham Magistrates Court to learn about the Intensive Supervision Courts (ISC), a pilot launched in the city.
The programme began in June 2023 and aims to support women who enter the criminal justice system due to mental health issues, addiction or domestic abuse.
Instead of custodial sentences, women aged 18 and over who are at risk of immediate custody are offered intensive orders, which means their sentence can be served in the community rather than in prison.
Among Mr Wright’s duties as High Sheriff is supporting and championing the work of the judiciary system.
He handed out High Sheriff Awards to those involved in delivering the scheme.
He said: “I was encouraged to hear that early insights show positive engagement from participants, with many achieving employment and integrating back into society.
“The collaborative approach of this new team and their agency partners has already received national recognition for its impact.
“I had the honour of presenting High Sheriff Awards to recognise the outstanding contributions of those involved in this brilliant pilot scheme.
“Thank you to all of this exceptional team for their important work in breaking the cycle of reoffending.”
Other engagements attended by the High Sheriff at the beginning of 2025 included:
- Meeting His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, at the inaugural emergency and critical care conference in Birmingham.
- Joining the Holocaust Memorial Day event at Wolverhampton Art Gallery
- Attending renowned Birmingham businessman Dr Jason Wouhra’s installation ceremony as Chancellor of Aston University
- Discussing anti-knife crime initiatives with knife crime survivor Natalie Queiroz
- Learning about Wilson Stuart School’s work with children who have special neds
- Visiting the Greek School of Apostolos Andreas and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of The Dormition of the Theotokos, as part of the school’s 70th anniversary celebrations
- Visting community organisations Aching Arms charity, Better Pathways, Manor Farm Community Association and Project Phoenix
