General Information Re Change of Address

Introduction

This topic provides information to assist the probation officer in responding to a request from the offender for a change of address.

Note: The standard conditions relating to address vary between different sentence/order types. Probation officers must take into account all relevant legislative provisions when considering any request to change address, or notification that the offender has changed their address.

Reasons for change of address

There are a variety of reasons why an offender may want or need to change their address.

Examples:

• the residence is no longer available e.g. lease terminated, occupant withdraws consent (electronically-monitored (EM) sentence/order)
• the residence is no longer suitable (e.g. occupants involved in substance abuse, domestic violence), or
• the offender has found a different flat and wants to move.

When responding to the need/request for a change of address, the probation officer should consider the following:

• urgency of the situation
• risk (for the offender, to others)
• sentence type, and
• special conditions.

When approval is required prior to the change of address

The offender is required to seek approval from the probation officer prior to changing address if:

• the sentence involves electronic monitoring (EM)
• there is a standard condition that requires prior notification of proposed change of address.
• there is a special condition relating to address, or
• the proposed address is outside the current probation area.

Change of address to another CPPS area

The offender is required to give reasonable notice if they intend to change address within a probation area. Reasonable notice in this instance is no less than one week.

If the offender wishes to move to another CPPS area, the procedure for transfer should be followed.

Reference: Volume 2, Part VI, Chapter 3, Transfers. (Please refer to the related links section on this page).

Reviewing a request

When the probation officer receives a request for a change of address, the reasons for this request should be discussed with the offender to establish whether a change of address is required.

Domestic Violence Act

If an offender is subject to a protection order issued through the Domestic Violence Act by the family court, special care should be taken when considering change of address or transfer requests.

If an offender wishes to live with a victim (adult or child) the approval of a service manager is required.

Frequent changes of address

If an offender has frequent changes of address, work with them to establish some stability and consider whether there is an increasing risk to the community because of the frequent changes.

Enforcement

If an offender advises the probation officer after moving to a new address, and is unable to offer a reasonable excuse for doing so, enforcement action should be considered, and the appropriate checks should still be carried out.

If the address is considered unsuitable, consideration should be given to instructing the offender not to live at the address.