Suitability of offenders for SPM's

Introduction

This section covers how to assess whether an offender is suitable for an SPM. SPMs are aimed at high risk offenders and offenders with multiple or complex needs and agency involvement.

Policy: assess all CSOs for SPMs

When inducting any offender convicted of a child sex offence, the PO must assess the suitability of that offender for a Support Planning Meeting following the procedure below. The decision as to suitability must be recorded in the IOMS case notes for that offender, and on the Induction Checklist (available on Corrnet).

Reference: Vol 2, Part II, Chapter 4: Induction.

Procedure for assessing suitability

This table outlines the steps to follow when assessing an eligible offender's suitability for an SPM.

Sources of information

Sources of information relevant to the suitability of the offender for an SPM include:

• CPS file and IOMS casenotes
• Consultation with PPS staff
• Formal risk assessment by PS (see below)
• Consultation with PS
• Offender's family and friends
• Other government agencies (see below)
• Programme/treatment providers

Formal risk assessment

If the offender has been assessed by Corrections' Psychological Service, formal risk assessment information will be available.

Where this information is not available, the Probation Officer should consult with a Corrections Psychologist and other appropriate sources such as treatment/programme providers and other professionals (with the offender's consent).

Note: Do not use the ROC*ROI score to determine the risk of re-offending for child sex offenders. The ROC*ROI score, used to determine risk of offending generally, can underestimate the risk of re-offending of child sex offenders, particularly where convictions are representational.

Information from other government agencies

Information can be obtained from those agencies that are signatories to the Agreement for Sharing Information About Child Sex Offenders. The agencies are Police, Ministry of Social Development, Housing New Zealand and Child, Youth and Family.

The Agreement allows some information to be made available without the consent of the offender. Information that can be shared is specified in the schedules to the Agreement. Procedures for sharing information under the Agreement are set out in Vol 4, Part I, Chapter 12.

See also:

• s182A-E Corrections Act 2004 (external link).
• Agreement for Sharing Information About Child Sex Offenders (available on Corrnet).
• Vol 4, Part II, Chapter 2: Memoranda of Understanding.

Factors relevant to SPM suitability

Factors which indicate suitability for an SPM:

• High or increased risk of reoffending.
• Lack of support in the community.
• Active involvement with other government agencies.
• Existence of significant or multiple reintegrative needs.
• Specific issues affecting compliance with order/sentence (eg. ongoing contact with children via family/whanau contact).
• Attitudes of the offender that raise concerns (eg. disclosed fantasies, attitudes supportive of sexual assault).
• Reports of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
• Denial or other cognitive distortions related to offending behaviour.