Referring to and Monitoring Programmes and Activities

Introduction

This topic covers information and procedures for referring to and monitoring an offender???s compliance with programmes and activities.

When to make a referral

If the offender has a special condition or an activity in their plan to undertake programmes or interventions, make the appropriate referrals to the department or service providers.

Reference: See the booklet Community-based Programmes for more information about programmes.

Type and frequency of contact

The type and frequency of contact with the programme facilitator or sponsor will depend on the nature of the programme or intervention being undertaken.

Note: The programme facilitator should:

• keep a record of attendance and participation, and
• report any issues or non-attendance to the supervising probation officer immediately.

Type

Contact may be:

• by three-way meeting with probation officer, offender and programme facilitator/sponsor
• by meeting with the programme facilitator/sponsor
• by telephone, or
• through written reports, in conjunction with direct contact.

Frequency

As a guide, minimum contact should be monthly depending on the intensity of the programme and the requirements of the sentence.

• For offenders subject to HD or RR, contact should follow each session to confirm attendance with the special condition and the approved absence.
• For offenders subject to psychological counselling, contact may also follow each session.

Offender continues reporting

The offender should continue reporting to the probation officer as per their phase/sentence requirements while on a programme. If the programme is residential, the offender may report to the probation officer at agreed times at the residential facility. The written ITR should reflect this arrangement.