Evaluating Out of Court Disposals (OOCD) in Northamptonshire for Women

An initial evaluation of the use of the Good Loaf women’s centre as an Out of Court Disposal Option has shown positive indications of its impact on their wellbeing, resilience and self-esteem. However, referrals have been severely affected by Covid-19 as has the centre’s ability to offer the programmes to women due to covid-19 restrictions. The original programmes offered were the Domestic Abuse and Work programme however the providers suspended these programmes for much of 2020. Therefore, the Good Loaf developed their own wellbeing programme, which will continue alongside the other programmes which are now starting to resume. A key aspect of The Good Loaf experience is being part of the community and volunteering in the café this aspect was also suspended during covid-19. Additionally, the initial evaluation has not included examining reoffending rate. Therefore, for these reasons the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner wishes to commission a further evaluation to gain a greater understanding of the impact of the OOCD option now that the Good Loaf is more able to provide the holistic experience and with a wider suite of options of programmes as well as understand the impact on reoffending.