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This topic contains information about considering whether any special conditions for psychological treatment or programmes are appropriate.

Consultation with psychologists

As with any other special conditions for ES, the probation officer must consult with the psychologist when considering whether to recommend special conditions for psychological treatment or programmes.

Note: Psychologists are also involved in ES six-monthly formal reviews, regardless of whether the offender is receiving treatment.

General rule 

Generally, psychological treatment is inappropriate for ES offenders because ES is primarily a monitoring, not a treatment regime. Any treatment/counselling should have commenced or been completed during the previous sentence.

Note: Offenders with index sexual offences and/or serious or numerous historical sexual offences, such as those offenders on ES, are not eligible for the Department’s general rehabilitative programmes. 

Categories of involvement

The following table sets out different categories of offenders and the kind of programme/treatment or psychologist involvement that may be appropriate and whether this would require a special condition.

Reference: See Wording of Special Conditions for Extended Supervision for recommended wording of each type of condition.

Category Potential programme/treatment/psychologist involvement  Special condition required?
High risk, high profile offenders on intensive regimes such as EM, PTP, or residential programmes Individual sessions with a psychologist.
Yes
Psychologist coordination, oversight and advisory role; this involves liaison with CPPS and other agencies. No
No prior treatment for child sex offending and currently motivated to attend treatment

STOP or SAFE community based programme for sexual offending, if:

  • available in the area where the offender resides
  • assessed as suitable by STOP/SAFE
  • funding has been approved.
Yes
Parole condition for psychological treatment which was set in consultation with a psychologist and treatment is not yet completed  Specified number of sessions with the psychologist to complete treatment. Yes
Has received treatment for child sex offending and relapse prevention/ maintenance group is available  Relapse prevention/maintenance group. Yes
Has received treatment for child sex offending and relapse prevention/ maintenance group is not available Probation officer monitors relapse prevention/safety plan, in consultation with psychologist, where necessary. No
Has received treatment and relapse prevention safety plan needs updating Up to four sessions with a psychologist for a safety plan update only.

Note: The safety plan should be done, if possible, in prison or on release conditions for the previous sentence.

Yes
Assessed as needing psychiatric treatment  Psychiatric treatment. Yes
Crisis requiring input from a psychologist  Referral to Psychologists Office. No

Alcohol and drug programmes 

A special condition to attend an alcohol and/or drug programme may be appropriate where this has been identified as a risk factor. The probation officer should discuss the appropriateness of this with a departmental psychologist.


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