If the offender is currently serving a sentence of imprisonment for a child sex offence, then additional checks and enquiries will need to be carried out. These checks include:
- additional enquiries regarding the suitability of the offender's proposed accommodation and the suitability of the proposed occupants
- determining whether the offender is being considered for an ES order.
Physical address checks
From a physical check of the address, and information from the interview and enquiry process, gather the following information:
- description of physical address
- proximity to schools, kindergartens, kohanga reo
- proximity to playgrounds/parks, public swimming pools, churches, thoroughfares or residences with young families, shared driveways or facilities, and other places frequented by children
- proximity to victims
- proximity to counselling/support services and availability of transport
- any evidence of children under 16 residing at the address
- visitors, eg, children, antisocial associates
- whether neighbours are aware of the offending
- community reaction (known or likely)
- any police concerns about the proposed address including offending or frequent call-outs
- any CYF concerns regarding the proposed address.
Assessing address suitability
In assessing the suitability of the accommodation, consider any risks presented by the nature and location of the accommodation and the occupants given the particular offender's pattern of offending and risk factors.
Take account of whether any agencies such as the police, CYF and mental health teams, have deemed the address suitable/unsuitable.
If there are concerns about the address, or the address is within 500m of schools, kindergartens, playgrounds or parks, and no alternative accommodation is available, discuss the case with the service manager and the CPPS psychologist to determine the suitability of the address.
Reference: For more information about address suitability for CSOs see Volume 1, Part Vll, Chapter 1 Extended Supervision Special Conditions Report, topic Child Sex Offenders, Determining Address Suitability.
Living with children
CSOs must not be permitted to reside with children aged under 16, except in exceptional circumstances.
If there are children residing at the accommodation:
- discuss the circumstances with the relevant psychologist
- contact and make enquiries with CYF
- the area manager must consider and approve the accommodation.
Determining extended supervision eligibility
The probation officer should contact the psychologist or the CPPS operations help desk to determine whether the offender is eligible to be assessed for an extended supervision (ES) order.
If the offender is eligible to be assessed for an ES order, the probation officer must ensure that this is noted in the parole assessment report. Special conditions must also be recommended in accordance with this indication of risk.
