Introduction to Notification for CSOs

Introduction

This topic contains the processes for the Department of Corrections to notify specified individuals about a child sex offender (CSO) who is considered to be at high risk of re-offending.

Notification of specified individuals should be considered as an active part of the risk management of an offender in the community.

The rationale for notifications is based on helping to manage the risk from the offender in the community and the rights of the specified individuals to be informed of any additional risk. Striking the balance between an offender’s successful rehabilitation against the obligations to consider community safety is a difficult and complex process.

Assessing the risk will need to be undertaken on a case by case basis, considering a number of factors.

Definition of a child sex offender

For the purposes of notification, a child sex offender is defined as an offender currently serving any sentence/order for a child sex offence.

Notification as described in this chapter will only apply to CSOs currently subject to parole, release on conditions (with an ASRS score of 3 or more), extended supervision and preventive detention.

Reference: Corrections Act 2004 (s182b) and Parole Act 2002 (s107b).

Definition of specified individuals

Specified individuals are defined as:

• affected neighbours.
• mayors (for high risk/high profile offenders only).
• school/pre-school principals (where the offender lives near a school/preschool and is considered to pose a risk these children).

Definition of affected neighbours

Affected neighbours are defined as neighbours:

• that border the offender’s address, or
• where the offender can observe movement.

All affected neighbours must be notified as children could be present at any address.

Process diagram

This diagram gives an overview of the process for carrying out notification for child sex offenders.

CSO notification tools

Detailed information about undertaking CSO notifications are outlined in this chapter and are supported by using the following forms:

CSO 09 CSO Initial identification form

CSO 10 CSO Initial identification memo

CSO 11 CSO Notification assessment/planning tool

CSO 12 CSO Notification offender consent form