Underlying Principles

Introduction

Consider the following four underlying principles when conducting work placement assessments.

Principle 1

All offenders are to be considered for placement with a CWA as the preferred option unless the agency placement is deemed unsuitable.

Unsuitable may mean that placement at a CWA would present an ‘unacceptable risk’ due to an offender’s:

• lack of motivation
• required level of supervision
• history of non-compliance
• seriousness of current and previous offending
• characteristics, special needs, affiliations and/or behaviour
• risk to the agency (particularly if the placement involves possible contact with elderly persons or children), and
• availability of an agency to accommodate offenders’ needs (ie, work hours).

Principle 2

CW hours should be completed as quickly as possible.

Principle 3

Offenders should start to complete their hours as soon as possible after sentencing. This may mean starting the sentence at a CWC while waiting for a CWA placement.

Principle 4

Every effort will be made to maximise the work/skills benefits of the placement for the offender and the agency/work party.