Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:30 AM AWST

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Assess offender risks and needs

Assess offender risks and needs

Unit of competency
National Code
CSCINT004
State Code
AUY69
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
25/01/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/12/2015
Field of Education
090513 - Counselling
Original Release Date
17/12/2015
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the skills required to observe offender behaviour and presentation, assess risks and determine intervention approach.Offender risks encompass many different aspects of offender health and safety, including:suicide and self-harmrisk from othersrisk to otherssexual abusedrug and substance abuseanger managementdomestic violencenature of the offencepotential for repeat offence and re-offendingThis unit may apply to custodial and community corrections staff responsible for the management and review of offenders. The role includes identifying immediate and longer-term risks and needs to ensure allocation and referral of offenders to suitable and effective intervention and support services.The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to interaction with offenders.A person undertaking this role would normally work autonomously with support from a range of established sources. The role is complex, drawing upon the candidate’s extracting, extrapolating and inferencing processes.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Observe offender behaviour and presentation
  • 1.1 Note the offender’s emotional state within the context of known personal history and circumstances.
  • 1.2 Observe and note the offender’s physical presentation.
  • 1.3 Note discrepancies and inconsistencies in offender behaviour.
  • 1.4 Research and check information about the offender’s history, behaviour and emotional state from analysis of his/her information and behaviour and from offender files and reports.
  • 1.5 Make a general assessment of functioning according to recognised criteria and note indicators of impairment.
  • 1.6 Use a range of communication strategies to discover offender’s experiences, attitudes and needs.
2 Analyse nature and degree of risk
  • 2.1 Check and confirm offenders’ understanding of the nature of their circumstances using a range of communication and analysis strategies.
  • 2.2 Explore offenders’ perceptions of their capacity to influence the situation and evaluate this for realistic and effective expectations.
  • 2.3 Assess offenders’ abilities and skills to handle or function within their situation and evaluate this for degree of risk to health and welfare.
  • 2.4 Assist offenders to identify current factors that would work for or against change and assess them for significance to programs and services.
  • 2.5 Explore and determine offenders’ perceptions of the roles of influential and relevant people and systems.
  • 2.6 Identify and acknowledge offenders’ capacity to recognise and understand their situation and adapt according to new requirements and perceptions of the correctional environment.
  • 2.7 Identify offenders’ motivation to change and assess this according to level of reality, expectations and experiences.
3 Determine intervention
  • 3.1 Identify intervention strategies based on offenders’ ability and potential to cope with their situation.
  • 3.2 Make recommendations on intervention strategies and referral based on offenders’ risk factors and the nature of the offending behaviour.
  • 3.3 Negotiate conditions of intervention with key people, agencies and offenders in a manner that encourages agreement and cooperation.
  • 3.4 Provide advice and information to offenders using appropriate manners of communication.
  • 3.5 Record all relevant information and case notes about offenders in offenders’ files and report to other agencies.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S5954 CSCINT404A Assess offender risks and needs Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODO23 CSCINT010 Assess offender risks and needs Unit of competency