The main functions of the project are:
Risk assessment
Cognitive behavioural groupwork programme
Throughcare
Risk assessment
The project co-works with criminal justice social work staff when preparing social enquiry reports for court to assist decisions on sentencing. Risk assessment is a key part of deciding if offenders can be placed safely in the community. The project undertakes risk assessments on offenders due for release from prison and liaises closely with police and child protection colleagues. Risk assessment is an ongoing process.
Cognitive behavioural groupwork
The project facilitates a groupwork programme for sex offenders placed in the community, with support and supervision from criminal justice social workers. All facilitators have undergone intensive training on the programme. A trained case manager supervises the individual.
Following an extensive induction programme, a range of intervention methods is used to assess whether the individual progresses into a treatment programme. The treatment programme is delivered over a two year period. Entry into the programme relies on a specific condition attached to a probation order or post release licence.
The programme is designed for males who have an IQ of 80 or above. Anyone below this or who is excluded for any other reason, may be offered individual work.
The overall aim of the programme is to reduce re-offending. This is achieved by:
- reducing denial and minimisation
- improving motivation to change
- restructuring dysfunctional attitudes
- reducing deviant sexual arousal
- improving relationship and interpersonal skills
- enhancing victim empathy
- improving self management skills
- developing relapse prevention skills
Throughout the course of the programme there is regular contact with the supervising officer/case manager.
Throughcare
The project is responsible for the statutory supervision of prison throughcare licences. This involves:
- contact with the individual and, where possible, his family throughout the period of custody
- compilation of reports and risk assessments for the Parole Board to assist decisions on release
- formulation and implementation of risk management plans
- supervision in the community in accordance with national standards
Throughcare promotes an intensive level of intervention and significantly increases the level of monitoring and supervision of sex offenders in the community.
Contact information
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