Principles of the Pre-release Process

The following principles must guide the work of all staff involved in the pre-release process:

• extent of planning
• early identification of issues and risks
• early identification of needs
• information sharing
• collaborative approach.

Extent of planning 

The extent of pre-release planning for an offender is based on the offender's level of:

• risk of re-offending and risk to the community
• rehabilitative need and reintegrative need.

An offender who is assessed as posing a high level of risk and high need will require, and receive, more intensive pre-release planning than an offender assessed as posing a low risk and low need.

Early identification of concerns and risks

The pre-release process should identify potential concerns or risks related to the release of an offender on parole as early as possible.  This will allow for more thorough planning to:

• resolve issues
• develop strategies to mitigate risk prior to an offender's release on parole.

Early identification of needs 

The pre-release process should identify an offender’s rehabilitative and reintegrative needs as early as possible.  This will allow for the development of a robust an workable release proposal to address all identified needs.

Information sharing 

All information held about an offender that may be relevant to assessing their suitability for parole must be shared with staff who are tasked with planning for that offender's potential release.  Information sharing between staff must be open and timely.

Collaborative approach

Successful pre-release planning is dependent on cooperation and liaison between all staff involved with an offender who is being considered for release on parole.

Staff must take a collaborative approach to pre-release planning and parole assessment, and work together to ensure successful outcomes.