Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:36 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Protect the safety and welfare of vulnerable offenders

Protect the safety and welfare of vulnerable offenders

Unit of competency
National Code
CSCOFM301A
State Code
S5965
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
30/04/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/07/2013
Field of Education
090599 - Human Welfare Studies And Services, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
02/07/2013
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to provide safe and responsible care for offenders who are vulnerable, or at risk from themselves or others.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Maintain current information.
  • 1.1 Check all information available on offender and confirm the actions required from the information.
  • 1.2 Confirm the services and support required to ensure that sentencing and assessment requirements will be met.
  • 1.3 Assist offenders to understand the conditions of the correctional environment and court orders and clarify their expectations of the services to be provided.
  • 1.4 Use continuous observation and questioning to identify indicators of increased risk in offender mood and behaviour.
  • 1.5 Assist offender to express concerns and issues and respond to these according to level of risk and urgency.
  • 1.6 Assess the background of the offender for indicators of special needs and factors to consider.
  • 1.7 Prepare reports and documentation of all action and decisions and report all concerns promptly to the relevant support.
  • 1.8 Comply with all policies, procedures and agreed practice of your organisation.
2Reduce the risks to offenders.
  • 2.1 Identify areas of concern and risk in behaviour and the environment and respond to prevent the impact on the welfare of all people involved.
  • 2.2 Ensure that the environment is safe and healthy, and maintained according to agreed standards and conditions.
  • 2.3 Observe the offender's routine to monitor changes in mood and behaviour and potential risks.
  • 2.4 Use interaction with offender to determine changes and degree of risks.
  • 2.5 Monitor movements and transfers of people according to organisation's procedures.
  • 2.6 Seek specialist advice and support where needs and concerns are identified.
  • 2.7 Refer offender to specialist services or programs where available.
  • 2.8 Promote and maintain the rights and responsibilities of the offender as defined by the organisation and its policies.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Services and support required may be determined by:
case management
programmed intervention
classification and review
need and risk assessment
reporting and referring systems
protective care
routine reports
review of sentence plan
investigations
appeals
swearing summons and warrant
service of summons and breaches
monitoring court process and outcomes
dynamic security
security system.
Areas of concern and risk may include:
suicide and self-harm
physical injury and accidents
assaulting and harming others
illness and infection
mental illness
physical, emotional and sexual abuse
risk taking
criminal actions
breaching conditions
escape
drug and substance abuse.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Evidence for assessment must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains a wide range of variables to reflect the diverse nature of dealing with vulnerable offenders in a correctional services setting. Selection from the range of variables will reflect the specific requirements of the work site and the defined work role.
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual working with vulnerable or at risk offenders effectively as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to protecting the safety and welfare of vulnerable offenders
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUY87 CSCOFM004 Protect the safety and welfare of vulnerable offenders Unit of competency