Conducting the Short Assessment Interview

Offender details and interview/report information

1

• Inform the offender of the assessment process using the interview checklist.
  • Explain role and purpose of assessment.
  • Explain obligations and rights of offender in relation to assessment process.
  • Note in the booklet if the offender has confirmed their understanding of the assessment process.
  • Note any issues the offender may express about the interview.
• Confirm file information using the offender details sheet.
  • Record personal details.
  • Canvass ethnicity details.

Screening for safety

2

• Assess the offender’s safety. If the offender answers yes to any of the safety questions, discuss with the service manager with a view to considering contacting appropriate services.

Undertake screening tests

3

Complete screening tests for alcohol, drugs and gambling.

• Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).
• Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST).
• Problem Gambling Screening Test (NINE).

Notes:

• All three screening tests relate to the past 12 months (regardless of whether offender is or has been in custody during this time).
• After completing questionnaires canvass in more detail any abuse of drugs or alcohol; or gambling issues (if identified).

Discuss with the offender

4

• Read the summary/summaries of facts to the offender and record the following:
  • agreement or disagreement with facts
  • if multiple offences, canvass offender’s view of all summaries
  • remorse/victim empathy
  • insight into offending
  • willingness to make reparation (if applicable), and
  • willingness to participate in restorative justice process (if applicable).
• Discuss with the offender:
  • previous offending pattern, and
  • response to previous sentences/current sentence, including programmes.

Social circumstances review

5

• Determine the offender’s social circumstances using the social circumstances checklist.
  • Limit the gathering of information to current and relevant matters.
  • Briefly canvass domestic and employment details.
  • Canvass health if relevant to sentencing.
  • Consider any impacts on possible sentencing options or special conditions.
  • Include cultural, religious or spiritual considerations (i.e. whânau; church activities).
  • Briefly canvass finances if appropriate.

Notes:

• Only use the financial information sheet if a fine and/or reparation is being considered or has been indicated by the judge.
• If there is some doubt about the accuracy of the information supplied, ask the offender to provide evidence to support the information.
• For offenders remanded for non-payment of fines, Collections will have already assessed their financial situation

Complete the conducting other enquiries section with the offender

6

• Advise the offender that you will need to contact others to obtain supporting/verifying information.
• Explain to the offender that talking with others will help:
  • inform decision making
  • verify information, and
  • determine sentencing eligibility.

Note: Consent from the offender to contact others is not required. However, it is important to advise the offender who you plan to contact.

Canvass sentencing options with offender

7

• Discuss judicial indication (if relevant).
• Discuss possible sentencing options, taking note of their responses.
• Canvass participation in the restorative justice process (if applicable).
• Canvass willingness to pay reparation.
• Inform the offender of the power of the court to take into account measures planned or taken to make amends (give advice about the process if appropriate).

Legislative reference: Section 10 Sentencing Act 2002.

Conclude interview

8

• Inform the offender of what happens next, including how they can receive a copy of the pre-sentence report.
• Provide the offender with information about applying to the court to make submissions on their personal, family, whânau, community and cultural background, and other matters.
• Encourage the offender to seek advice from counsel or court staff as to the appropriateness of such an application.

Legislative reference: Section 27 Sentencing Act 2002.

9

Following the interview

• Update the offender's personal details in IOMS
• Act on any safety issues, including:
• • Record in case notes
  • Record an electronic alert (if necessary)
  • If there is reason to believe that any child is at risk of abuse, you must make a notification to Child, Youth and Family (CYF) and
  • Contact any other services, e.g. community mental health
• Record screening assessment results in IOMS
• Make any referrals if identified in the interview.