Introduction
It is important to be aware of behaviours that could signal potential risk of self-harm, or harm to others, and to take appropriate action. Also be aware of the offender's immediate needs.
Immediate needs and risks
Immediate needs are any issues or problems that, unless addressed, may prevent the offender from participating fully in the induction process or from undertaking and completing their sentence. These may include:
- anxiety or state of mind
- language or speech/hearing impairments
- availability of medication and health care
- lack of support/access to family, and/or
- stress caused by reintegrative needs (e.g. housing, friends, etc.).
Reference: Volume 4, part I, chapter 2 Awareness (Please refer to the related links section on this page).
Family reintegration
If an offender with a conviction for child abuse is seeking family reintegration, or reports living in a residence with children, the probation officer should:
- confirm if Child, Youth and Family (CYF) is involved and notify CYF if there are concerns
- consult with the service manager and take action as appropriate
- record concerns and any action taken in IOMS, and
- enter alerts in IOMS if applicable.
References:
- Volume 4, part I, chapter 7 Child Abuse (Please refer to the related links section on this page).
- Volume 1, part I, chapter 1 Release from Prison of Offenders with Convictions for Offences Against Children (Please refer to the related links section on this page).
Domestic Violence Act
If an offender is subject to a protection order issued through the Domestic Violence Act by the family court, then the probation officer should note any concerns in IOMS about the offender's:
- accommodation, and
- relationship with those named in the order.
Probation officers should be aware of and confront offender behaviour when a breach of protection order is suspected.
Reference: Volume 4, part 1, chapter 5 Domestic Violence (Please refer to the related links section on this page).
Responsibilities and actions
During the initial induction process (and during any other interaction with the offender) the probation offender should be looking out for any indicators that may suggest that the offender or others are at risk.
Ensure that:
- the appropriate action(s) are taken if potential risk (verbal and non-verbal cues) is recognised.
- appropriate questioning techniques are used to gather accurate information in order to check whether the offender:
- may be at risk of self harm, or threats or harm to others, or
- has immediate needs to be addressed (such as child care, notifying family, or protection issues).
- alternative questioning strategies are used if the questioning approach does not obtain sufficient or relevant information.
- interview pacing and content is pitched at the offender's level of understanding.
- CYF is notified if there is reason to believe that any child is at risk of abuse.
- the offender is referred for specialist assessment if risk of self-harm is identified.
- action is taken to address any identified immediate reintegrative need that the offender cannot address themselves.
Notes:
- The supervising probation officer follows up on any identified reintegrative needs.
- Consider notifying the police if there are any threats to others.
