Criminal Justice

Our Criminal Justice Services support people who are involved with the criminal justice system and are experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol. The focus is on support, health, and positive change, not punishment.

Wirral Ways works closely with probation services, courts, prisons, police, and partner agencies across Wirral to help people reduce harm, address substance use, and move forward with their lives.

Our approach

We understand that involvement with the criminal justice system often sits alongside complex experiences such as trauma, mental health challenges, housing instability, and long term substance use.

Our approach is:

• Non judgemental and person centred

• Trauma informed and strengths based

• Focused on reducing reoffending and improving wellbeing

• Integrated with wider health and support services

We meet people where they are and work at a pace that feels realistic and achievable.

Who Criminal Justice Services are for

Our service supports adults who:

• Are subject to probation or licence conditions

• Have been sentenced by the courts with drug or alcohol related requirements

• Are leaving custody and need continuity of support

• Are involved in police or court diversion pathways

• Have substance use linked to offending behaviour

Support is also available to professionals working with people in the criminal justice system.

What support looks like

Criminal Justice support is tailored to the individual and may include:

• One to one structured support sessions

• Drug and alcohol assessments and ongoing reviews

• Support to meet court or probation requirements

• Harm reduction and safer use advice

• Access to prescribing, clinical, and psychosocial support

• Relapse prevention and risk management planning

• Support with motivation, goals, and behaviour change

• Help to engage with wider services such as housing or mental health support

Support is practical, supportive, and focused on long term stability.

Working alongside probation and courts

We work in close partnership with probation practitioners, courts, and other justice partners to provide coordinated support.

This includes:

• Information sharing where appropriate and consented

• Supporting compliance with treatment requirements

• Providing updates and engagement reports

• Helping people understand expectations and responsibilities

• Reducing barriers to engagement

Our role is to support people to succeed, not set them up to fail.

Support before and after custody

For people leaving custody, continuity of care is vital.

We can support with:

• Engagement before release

• Rapid access to community support on release

• Medication continuity and clinical reviews

• Harm reduction advice and overdose prevention

• Reconnecting with services and support networks

This joined up approach helps reduce risk and supports safer transitions back into the community.

Reducing reoffending and risk

Addressing substance use can play a key role in reducing reoffending. Our support focuses on:

• Understanding the link between substance use and offending

• Building safer coping strategies

• Reducing risk to individuals and the wider community

• Supporting positive, sustainable change

Progress is not always linear, and setbacks are handled with support and problem solving.

Respect, dignity, and confidentiality

People accessing Criminal Justice Services are treated with dignity and respect. Conversations are honest, supportive, and focused on wellbeing.

Being open about substance use helps us support people safely and effectively.

How to access Criminal Justice Services

Access is usually through referral from probation, courts, prisons, police, or other criminal justice professionals. Some people may already be working with Wirral Ways and move into Criminal Justice support as part of their pathway.

If you are a professional wanting to refer someone, or you are involved in the criminal justice system and want to understand what support is available, get in touch with Wirral Ways to start a conversation.