Provision of information to offenders and co-residents about program obligations and conditions, requirements of the specific order, and consequences of noncompliance is a consistently identified critical success factor in both the Australian and international evaluation literature. Providing information to offenders and coresidents from the very start of the process was also identified as a critical success factor for successful program outcome by two program managers. Making information about the program available to other groups such as the judiciary, treatment agencies and employers as well as the general public is also cited in some studies.
Comparison:
Jurisdictions vary in the extent to which program-specific information is publicly available and in the timing of information provision to offenders and co-residents about the program generally and the order specifically. They also differ in whether any requirements to provide information are legislatively prescribed or established through policy and practice. In NSW and the ACT, legislation requires the court to explain (or ensure all reasonable steps are taken to explain) the obligations of the order and consequences of non-compliance. Although not a legislatively prescribed requirement, other jurisdictions detail the information and point in time at which offenders and co-residents must be provided with particular information in policy documentation (eg, Vic and NZ). Some jurisdictions do not establish information provision requirements in policy and procedures documentation, although, based on information provided in consultations with individual jurisdictions, this occurs in practice.
Some jurisdictions have produced information about the program for the general public (Vic, Qld, ACT and NZ) which is available on the corrective services website of two jurisdictions (Vic and NZ).
Information provision and availability
|
relevant information to offender |
relevant information to co-residents |
public program information |
|
|
NSW |
court must ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to explain obligations and consequences of non-compliance to offender* |
co-residents made aware of program rigour, conditions and impacts |
brief HD description within intensive supervision overview |
|
Vic |
information packag 1 provided to each offender at induction (which must be completed on the first day of the order and is conducted at the offender's place of residence), with preliminary information provided at assessment; includes assessing officer to indicate to the offender that there are some definite advantages and some perceived inconveniences to participation at induction officer to fully explain the mechanics and operation of the monitoring unit and device as they relate to the offender, the curfew expectations and consequences of being late |
information package 1 provided to coresidents the induction process on the first day of the order includes an invitation to the co-residents to attend those parts of the discussions that impact upon them in their status as a co-resident |
Q&A sheet published on website, Adult Parole Board HD guide available online |
|
Qld |
explanation provided at assessment; prisoners have access to booklet and group information session on how to apply for post-prison community-based release which includes home detention; during EM trial, written information and video shown if electronic monitoring, Chief Executive must ensure the prisoner is told how the device operates and is instructed not to wilfully damage, destroy, remove or otherwise interfere with it |
explanation of order conditions and impact on household provided at home assessment; fact sheet provided to sponsors during electronic monitoring trial, written information and video shown |
HD information brochure published on website |
|
SA |
at first assessment interview, prisoner is provided with forms detailing specific information about HD and the rules of electronic monitoring |
at assessment, explanation of what can be expected if the applicant is released on to HD; provided with information sheet |
HD program information published on website |
|
ACT |
court must explain obligations and consequences of non-compliance* ; HD Officer must ensure that the conditions of the HD order are made clear to the detainee; rules for electronic monitoring to be signed and retained by detainee |
HD Officer must ensure that the conditions of the HD order are made clear to co residents and relevant others |
HD information brochures |
|
NT |
information sheet on terms and conditions of order provided at assessment |
information sheet on terms and conditions of order, verbal discussion including explanation of potential difficulties at assessment home visit |
brief overview of HD published on web |
|
NZ |
first induction meeting (on the day of release from prison to HD) includes ensuring offender understanding of the process to date and provides essential information to allow the offender to settle into the HD regime; second meeting (within two days of the first) ensures the offender and relevant occupants have a clear understanding of the philosophy behind HD, the role that each person plays, the processes involved throughout the term, consequences of non-compliance, and clarifies any outstanding issues with the offender and family/relevant occupants, especially with regard to rights and expectations; third meeting (between offender and officer, held within two days of the second) ensures understanding of the broader issues relating to the offender’s term |
see second meeting details at left |
HD fact sheet published on website; policy and procedures manual is published on the website |
* explicitly prescribed by legislation
1 Victorian information package content: Home Detention Program overview; a written document explaining the core conditions to which the offender will be subject; information pertaining to the Privacy Commissioner and Information Privacy Issues; information pertaining to the Ombudsman; Consent and Withdrawal of consent information; Electronic Monitoring Information sheet; Contact details of the Home Detention Unit staff; details of the local government or community agencies that will be able to provide personal support or practical help in the event of, local Community Health Centres, and emergency contact numbers should the offender or any co-resident encounter difficulties during the period of the order; Withdrawal of consent form; Participant Identification Card; and supplementary information from the case manager on any services or contact names and numbers that are specific to the individual offender.