Interventions Alliance, a provider of support for people with multiple or complex needs, has today published new research on the experience of trans people accessing community justice  services.

The study is the first to focus on the experiences of trans people in community justice settings instead of the prison environment, and advances understanding of how trans people are engaged in these settings and supported to turn away from crime.

Findings include the importance of feeling safe and positive relationships, the impact of collaboration between staff and participants, and the need for ongoing training and awareness.

Recommendations from the study include comprehensive training for staff, regular consultation with trans participants, and visible inclusivity measures within community justice settings. These insights and recommendations may be applicable to other organisations working with or supporting trans people, within and beyond the criminal justice system.

Interventions Alliance researcher and author of the report, Jess Lawrence, said:

“This research is the first of its kind to examine support for trans participants in community criminal justice settings. We’ve found that with the right ethos, support and management all participants can feel safe, accepted and better equipped to turn away from crime.

“The research sets out several practical measures that organisations can put in place to support their work with trans participants. For example, simple, visible markers of inclusion can make a significant difference in the way trans people engage with services. We will continue to build the evidence base in this area so we can positively engage all participants using this type of service.”