ISIS is affiliated to the Nelson Trust's Women's Services programme. The Trust, now in its 25th year as an independent local charity, is one of the country's leading providers of specialist interventions for people with complex needs; particularly those related to substance misuse. The Ministry of Justice and Cabinet Office recently cited Nelson Trust as an example of good practice in their joint project, Short Study on Women Offenders.
The Trust is also renowned for expertise in addressing the specific issues faced by women. In 2004 it opened specialist services for female clients after researching their needs and requirements.
In 2009 the Ministry of Justice awarded Nelson Trust major funding to establish ISIS, as part of the government's strategy to increase community support for women at risk of offending. Maria Eagle MP, Ministerial Champion for Women and Criminal Justice Matters, said:
"Many female offenders have an acute combination of complex issues that lie behind their offending: drug and alcohol dependencies, homelessness, domestic violence, unemployment and poor education. Prison... often only exacerbates problems for them and... their children. We recognize that the voluntary sector has the creativity and skills... [to] develop a network of provision across the country and test out the best ways of helping women turn away from crime. The work of the voluntary sector will be supported by partnerships... with common aims of reducing crime and re-offending".