QUEENSLAND CORRECTIVE SERVICES OFFENDER PROGRAMS

as at 27 August 2013

1. INTRODUCTION Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) delivers group based programs as a way of efficiently and effectively supporting offenders to change their behaviour as part of an overarching QCS Pathways to Reduce Crime Strategy. QCS offender programs are based on international literature regarding the characteristics of programs effective in reducing recidivism. National program standards are used to assess new programs and to ensure their deliver continues to adhere to best practice and meet their objectives. Offender programs can be thought of in two main categories- lower and higher intensity programs. 2. LOWER INTENSITY PROGRAMS These programs are focussed on lower risk offenders, and those serving shorter sentences. They are relatively brief, usually 12- 24 hours in duration. These programs focus on motivating offenders to change, giving them core knowledge about offending cycles, strategies to avoid future offending and the impact on others, and providing information about where to go for future support and assistance. They are also important in addressing barriers to employment after release. Offenders can undertake these low intensity programs at any point in their sentence. There is often benefit to these programs occurring earlier in an offenders sentence, particularly if they are motivated, and they are eligible to progress to low custody. Therefore, removing any barriers to an offenders progression. Each correctional centre will run their own waiting list for lower intensity programs generate by IOMS. Each of these programs will also be available at all secure correctional centres. 3. WHAT LOWER INTENSITY PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE? Lower intensity programs delivered by QCS staff include: Turning Point Preparatory program For offenders who require further intervention but who are ambivalent to engaging in programs would benefit from referral to this program.

Getting SMART substance abuse program This program is for lower risk offenders with a RoR of 16 or less who have substance abuse needs. NB: Higher risk offenders with a ROR of 16 or more should not be referred to this program as a substitute for Pathways. This program is also available in some Probation and Parole settings. SMART Recovery substance abuse maintenance program This program is for graduates of Getting SMART to assist them in maintaining their learning and commitment to change. Smart Recovery is also available in some Probation and Parole settings. Ending Offending Program Ending Offending is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders with substance abuse needs. Higher risk offenders should not be referred to this program unless they have insufficient time to complete a more intensive program. NB: Offenders should not participate in both this program and Getting SMART as they will repeat similar content. This program will be replaced by the more intensive Positive Futures program (refer Other Intensive Programs Section). Ending Family Violence This program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders convicted of domestic/family violence offences. Higher risk offenders should not be referred to this program unless they have insufficient time to complete a more intensive program. This program will be replaced by the more intensive Positive Futures program (refer Other Intensive Programs Section). Other lower intensity programs Other lower intensity programs will be accredited by the QCS Offender Program and Services Accreditation Panel for delivery by other organisations or QCS staff in some instances. At present, this includes: Stepping Up Alcohol and Drug Foundation Queensland (ADFQ) This program meets the Getting SMART recommendation as it covers very similar content. 4. TIMING AND RESPONSIVITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR LOW INTENSITY PROGRAMS Lower intensity programs may be available at some low custody centres, but should in general be completed before the offender is eligible/ready to progress to low custody. While low literacy is not a barrier to participation, offenders may benefit from undertaking literacy courses prior to commencing a lower intensity program.

5. HIGHER INTENSITY PROGRAMS Higher intensity programs are reserved for those offenders assessed as being a higher risk of reoffending and/or of causing harm for e.g. sexual offending. These programs are longer, intensive group programs that directly target offending behaviour and aim to produce clear behavioural change in participants. They will usually involve detailed analysis of the individuals offending cycle, targeted skill development and practice and development of a detailed relapse prevention or safety plan to assist in avoiding future offending. Intensive programs in correctional centres may not be available in all correctional centres, and an offender may therefore need to move in order to engage in their recommended program. Higher Intensity programs are managed through a state-wide waiting list to ensure offenders closest to their parole eligibility are prioritised for program placement. Higher intensity programs delivered by QCS staff include: Sexual Offending programs Sexual offenders serving more than 12 months in custody will be centrally waitlisted for all sexual offending programs by Offender Rehabilitation and Management Services (ORMS). Sexual offenders are assessed using the STATIC 99R as early as possible in their sentence. This will allow their Offender Rehabilitation Plans to be completed with accurate program recommendations. All trained QCS staff can undertake STATIC 99R assessments and is not restricted to program staff members only. Nominations for the STATIC 99R training can be made here:
http://intranet/content/Our_Organisation/Specialist_Operations/Offender_Rehabilitation_and_Manageme nt_Services/Offender_Intervention/index.shtml

Once the program recommendation is flagged in the offenders plan, they are placed on the waiting list, and prioritised for programs based on parole eligibility dates. Offender Rehabilitation and Management Services advise centres of when to make offers to prisoners and assist in arranging transfers when required. Program offers should not be made without liaising with the relevant Offender Rehabilitation and Management Services staff member. Sexual offending programs include: Getting Started sexual offending preparatory program This program is mandatory for all sexual offenders serving over 12 months in custody, and takes 6-8 weeks to complete. It is delivered in many correctional centres and Probation and Parole locations. Mainstream prisoners will undertake this program at Townsville Correctional Centre. Moderate Intensity Sexual Offending Program (MISOP) MISOP is a 3-5 months program for offenders assessed as low to moderate risk sexual offenders. This program is available at several correctional centres, and in

some Probation and Parole locations. Mainstream prisoners will undertake this program at Townsville Correctional Centre. High Intensity Sexual Offending Program (HISOP) This 9 months program is for high risk sexual offenders and is only delivered at Wolston correctional Centre. Mainstream prisoners may be referred to Townsville CC after a case conference with Offender Rehabilitation and Management Services. This program is usually delivered on a rolling basis allowing continual entry and exit of participants throughout the program. Inclusion Sexual Offending Program This program is 5-6 months, and targets lower intellectual functioning sexual offenders. The program is only available at Wolston Correctional Centre. Indigenous Sexual Offending Program, also referred to as Sexual Offending Program for Indigenous Males (SOPIM) This program can take 3 -12 months to complete depending on assessed risk levels. It targets all sexual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sexual offenders and is delivered at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre only. Sexual Offending Maintenance Program (SOMP) SOMP is to be completed by graduates of a sexual offending program, and is available at some correctional centres and Probation and Parole locations. Other intensive programs Pathways substance abuse program The Pathways program is a six month program that addresses both substance abuse and offending behaviour for offenders assessed as being 16 or more on the RoR. While this program can be delivered at all secure facilities, the program is generally run in a closed format, which means once it has started, the next group must wait until a new group commences. A higher volume of Pathway programs is provided at Southern Queensland Correctional Centre (SQCC). This could result in offenders needing to transfer to another centre in order to access the Pathways program at the appropriate time in their sentence. This process will be managed through a statewide waiting list. A female specific version of this program will also be used. NB: Offenders SHOULD NOT be referred to both Pathways and a lower intensity substance abuse programs such as Stepping Up, Ending Offending or Getting SMART.

Cognitive Self Change Program (CSCP) The CSCP is targeted to higher risk violent offenders. The program aims to change the attitudes and beliefs which support the use of violence. This program is often completed in conjunction with Pathways to provide an intensive and broad treatment pathway. CSCP is currently only delivered at Woodford Correctional Centre. An assessment of the offenders offending is required to determine appropriate referral. Current criteria include: Assessed as 16 or above on the RoR Four of more violent offences committed over at least two separate offending episodes which can include incidents while incarcerated. Consideration is given to the drivers for an offenders violence before confirming any referral to CSCP. In general, offenders that primarily commit violence while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, should be considered for referral to Pathways rather than CSCP. Advice is available from Offender Rehabilitation and Management Services prior to making a referral. A new referral process will be implemented shortly to assist in accurate referrals. Making Choices Womens Program Making Choices Womens program targets a broad range of criminogenic needs for females. While places should be prioritised for higher risk offenders, lower risk female offenders with multiple and/or complex needs should also be referred to this program. It is recommended that female offender FIRST complete TURNING POINT to ensure any responsivity needs have been appropriately addressed. Positive Futures Men and Womens programs This program is 36 hours in duration and targets Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders with substance abuse and violent offending, including domestic violence. This program replaces recommendations to undertake either/or Ending Offending and Ending Family Violence programs. Separate female and male versions of this program will be used. Other higher intensity programs Other higher intensity programs will be accredited by the QCS Offender Program and Services Accreditation Panel for delivery by other organisations or QCS staff in some instances.

Other issues to note: The Making Choices Mens program was decommissioned as of January 2013. 6. TIMING AND RESPONSIVITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER INTENSITY PROGRAMS Offenders are assessed into a primary treatment pathway based on clear referral criteria, need and responsivity. The benefits of this approach include: Streamlining and transparently identifying the most appropriate treatment for an offender Ensuring an emphasis on identified priority groups (high risk-high harm, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island, females, disability etc) Enabling equity in access to programs by offenders Limiting over-referral/over-treatment of offenders Most sustainable use of limited resources Enabling improvements in treatment timing and the prevention of delays in progression and parole applications Both staff and offenders are informed about the treatment pathway

What does this mean in practice? Offenders should NOT be referred to multiple intensive programs. The primary treatment need should dictate program referral. Exceptions can be made only based on case conferences with Offender Rehabilitation and Management Services. Offenders should NOT be referred to low AND higher intensity programs that target the same need. Offenders should be referred to their primary treatment program with enough time to commence AND complete prior to eligibility for low custody (if relevant) and well prior to parole eligibility. Ideally, the recommended program would be completed before the offender is eligible to apply for parole, which is currently six months prior to their parole eligibility date. As sexual offenders are not eligible for low custody, this means they should be completed AT LEAST nine months before parole eligibility- the point at which many offenders will start working on their parole applications. For other offenders, the benefits of progressing to low custody are valuable, so earlier completion would support them progressing to low custody for a period of time prior to applying for parole. This allows them to demonstrate their ability to comply and cope with higher levels of self management and pro social behaviours.

7. CASE CONFERENCING FOR HIGHER INTENSITY PROGRAMS In situations where a referral is made outside of specified program referral criteria, a case conference is to occur prior to making the program recommendation. At a minimum the case conference should include the: Program facilitators Senior Program Delivery Officer Representative from Offender Rehabilitation and Management Services The person initiating the case conference is to complete the Background (Offence details, Treatment needs, Current/previous response to treatment, Responsivity issues) and the Recommendation sections of the document, prior to forwarding it to all relevant parties.