Offenders with Convictions for Offences against Children

Introduction

When writing a report, consideration must be given to the safety of any children residing at, or likely to frequent, an offender's address or proposed address.

This is particularly important:

• when an offender is facing a sentence, or serving a sentence, or has historical convictions for child abuse (involving sex, violence or neglect), and
• where an electronically monitored sentence (which confines the offender to a residence where children frequent) is being considered.

Reference: For information about child abuse and how to identify abuse, see Volume 4, Part I, chapter 7, Child Abuse. (Please refer to the related links section on this page).

Suitability for HD, CD or RR

There are specific requirements for assessing the suitability for HD, CD and RR on parole.

Reference: For information specific to assessing a residence for these sentences see Volume 1, Part V, Appendix for Electronically-Monitored Sentences/Orders. (Please refer to the related links section on this page).

Agreement with CYF

The Department of Corrections has an agreement with Child, Youth and Family (CYF) for disclosure of information where there are concerns about the safety and welfare of children.

Section 6 of this agreement sets out the agreed procedures for inter-departmental contact and the management of these cases. These are summarised on the following page.

Note: Copies of all memoranda of understanding are held at each area office.

Reference: Volume 4, Part II, Chapter 2, Memoranda of Understanding. (Please refer to the related links section on this page).