8. Formal Review for Extended Supervision

Introduction

Extended supervision orders are subject to six-monthly and event-based formal reviews. Formal reviews are to be undertaken in addition to order plan reviews. The formal review involves:

• an assessment of the offender's risk, and
• a review of the level of monitoring (i.e. frequency of reporting and home visits).

A key principle of extensive supervision is that the level of monitoring should be consistent with the level of risk the offender presents. A formal review must precede all changes to the level of monitoring.

When to conduct formal reviews

A formal review must be conducted:

• at least every 6 months
• before the extended supervision order start date if the offender is on parole or release on conditions prior to the extended supervision order, and
• at any time the level of monitoring is to be reviewed (i.e. whenever there is an increase or decrease in risk).

Who is involved in formal reviews

A formal review must involve the:

• probation officer
• service manager
• back-up probation officer (where applicable)
• Department of Corrections psychologist, and
• relevant other professionals (e.g. maintenance group facilitator).

Extensions and cancellations

Reference: For information about extended supervision extensions and cancellations see Volume 1 Providing Information to Courts and New Zealand Parole Board, Part IV Other Reports/Information to Court, Chapter 1 Applications for Extended Supervision Order, Topic Appeals, Extensions and Cancellations.

Steps to take

Follow these steps to conduct a formal review.

When to reduce monitoring

As a general rule, consider reducing monitoring if the offender consistently demonstrates a sustained ability to manage dynamic risk factors over at least two six-month review periods (12 months).

These behaviours include:

• compliance with conditions
• avoiding or appropriately dealing with high-risk situations
• lack of evidence of distorted thinking and high-risk behaviours
• positive evidence of self-management strategies, and
• lack of evidence of dynamic risk factors particular to the individual, e.g. substance abuse.

When to increase monitoring

Increased monitoring should be considered when there is evidence of:

• an increase in dynamic risk factors, and
• a decrease in the offender's ability to manage these risks.

This may be over a 6 month period or in response to an increase in acute or short term risk.