Procedure for Managing Requests for a Change of Address

Introduction

This topic provides guidelines for the probation officer to manage a change of address.

Steps to take

Follow the steps below when notified of a proposed change of address.

Note: A more thorough assessment is required if the offender:

is on:
- community detention (CD)
- home detention (HD)
- parole with residential restrictions, or
- extended supervision, or
has:
- convictions for child sex offending, or
- a special condition related to residence.

The thorough assessment must include:

a home visit
interview with the occupants and relevant others, and
an electronic monitoring enquiry (where appropriate).

Step	Action
1	Confirm the following details of the proposed address with the offender: residential address details of surrounding community (schools, amenities, access to programmes etc.) the owner of the property, and other occupants living there - include names and details of occupants.
2	If possible, make independent enquiries to confirm the accommodation.
3	If the offender is: subject to an EM sentence or order go to step 7. not subject to an EM sentence or order go to step 4.
4	If the offender's offence type is sex offending, domestic violence or involves other victim related offending, make more detailed enquiries about: the location other occupants living at the property people regularly visiting the property, and proximity to the victim (if on VNR, check with Area VNR coordinator, or any other CPPS records).
5	Are there any issues with the change of address? If no, go to step 6. If yes, then: discuss this with the offender, and if necessary issue a written instruction for the offender not to move to that address, and record the decision in IOMS casenotes.
6	Confirm the move with the offender, and enter details of the new address in IOMS, then go to step 9.
7	If the offender is on a sentence of CD or HD, consider whether it is necessary/appropriate to approve a temporary address pending an application to the court to vary the sentence, then go to step 8. Reference: Volume 2, Part VI, Chapter 2, When the Address is No Longer Suitable - HD and RR. (please refer to the related links section on this page).
8	If the move: is approved return to step 6. is not approved then: discuss this with the offender if necessary issue a written instruction for the offender not to move to that address record the decision in IOMS casenotes, and then go to step 9.
9	Conduct a home visit (at the new address if approved, or at the old address if not approved) within: 2 weeks of the decision relating to change of address, or 48 hours if offender is on the offender warning system (OWS).

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