Introduction
This section provides guidelines for when it may be appropriate to:
- decline an offender's request for a change of address, or
- postpone the change of address.
When to decline or postpone
The probation officer may decline or postpone the offender's request for approval to change address if any of the following situations apply:
- Special conditions cannot be completed as the new address is an unworkable distance from provider(s). In such cases, a variation of special conditions may be required.
- There are risk factors, such as the new address being close to victims. If an offender wishes to live with their victim (and their victim consents to this) careful assessment is required. It may be permissible if other professionals can verify that the situation is safe and/or the offender has satisfactorily addressed the cause of their offending.
- Resident(s) at the proposed address have protection orders in place against the offender.
- More time is needed to make the appropriate checks, e.g. in the case of sex offenders, or in rural areas serviced once a week or less.
- Accommodation is not suitable.
- When there are frequent requests for changes of address.
- If the offender has almost completed the sentence/order and does not have good reason to move.
- If there is a special condition to reside at a specific address.
Decline in writing
If directing the offender not to reside at a particular address, this must be done in writing and the details regarding the decision recorded in IOMS casenotes.
A home visit should be undertaken to ensure this direction has been complied with.
