Stages of the Pre-release Process

Pre-release planning

(8 months to 6 months before the first parole hearing)

Involves the completion of the pre-release planning worksheet to:

• identify the level of planning and liaison required for a given offender
• identify offenders where pre-parole liaison is required for the formulation of a robust and workable release proposal.

Note: The High Risk High Profile (HRHP) process may also start around this time and run alongside the pre-release planning process.

Pre-parole liaison

(6 months before the parole hearing)

• Only occurs if the offender is identified as a high risk offender (HRX), meets the offender warning system (OWS) criteria, or if CPPS hold significant concerns about the possible release to parole.
• Involves ongoing liaison between all parties involved with the offender to develop robust and workable release plans.

Parole assessment process

(15 weeks to 3 weeks before the parole hearing)

Involves the preparation of the parole assessment report using information gathered through:

• pre-release planning
• pre-parole liaison if identified
• an interview with the offender
• enquiries completed for the parole assessment report.