The Introduction and Implementation of a system of Sex Offender Risk Assessment / Management in the Probation Service

Sex Offender Risk Assessment and Management

SORAM – A Brief Overview Joint management of sex offenders between An Garda Síochána and The Probation Service with involvement of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) and Local Authorities where there are Child Protection and Housing concerns

SORAM Partner Agencies

National SORAM Steering Group SORAM - Structure National SORAM Steering Group Meets every quarter Governs the National SORAM Office Includes representatives from Irish Prison Service/ Cosc National SORAM Office Opened October 2013 4 Partner Agencies – AGS, Probation, Tusla, Housing. Development of policy/ procedures/ oversight of LSTs Local SORAM Teams 4 Partner Agencies Develop individual risk assessment management plan for each offender in local SORAM team.

Local SORAM Team Attendance Garda Inspector Senior Probation Officer PSW/ SWTL SOLO Liaison Garda Probation Officer Allocated/ Duty Social Worker Invited External Professionals Future Professionals?

SORAM – Entry Criteria Not ALL sex offenders are in SORAM Must be subject to Probation Service Supervision AND Convicted Sex Offenders who are subject to Part 2 of Sex Offenders Act 2001 – notification requirements. OR Sex Offender with previous sexual offence conviction or whose offence has a clear sexual component and are subject to Probation Supervision. At least Medium on the RM 2000 scale – exceptions….

Risk Assessment and Management Plan The RAMP is the cornerstone of SORAM. There are 2 RAMP Forms ( RMP1 and RMP2 Update and Action Sheet). The RMP1 must be completed for every offender who is subject to SORAM management.

Risk Assessment and Management Plan The RMP1 is completed for the first SORAM meeting on an offender. The Update Report and Action Sheet (RMP2) is then used for all subsequent meetings in relation to each offender. A new RMP2 Form is used each time an offender is discussed at the Local SORAM Meeting.

Risk Assessment and Management Plan Joint/Inter-Agency completion of forms/work. All risk factors identified and discussed. All risks actioned and outcomes clearly recorded. These forms were created by the NSO. Ensures defensible practice /standardises practice nationally.

Intervention & Treatment SORAM Risk Management Pillars Supervision Monitor & Control Intervention & Treatment Victim Safety Planning Each agency contributes to multi agency risk management within their own agency and legislative remit. Probation more of a fit for the supervision and intervention/ treatment pillar. AGS – Monitor and Control. Victim safety planning – the restriction of access to current and future victims as is one of the aims of Tusla/ Housing needs assessment. Enforcement (external controls) will aim to manage the identified risk through placing requirements and restrictions, court ordered or otherwise, on an individual offender and by monitoring changes in circumstances and behaviour. Encouragement (internal controls) will seek to support and promote the offenders self management. Good risk management also encourages pro-active work with the offender where possible to decrease their risk and support to decrease the factors associated with their risk and to enhance protective factors.

SORAM – Future Developments SORAM is still a pilot pending legislation. Further integration of Tusla/ Local Authorities – ongoing training on SORAM. Ongoing support/development of Local SORAM Teams. Juveniles. New SORAM partner agencies e.g. mental health. Pre Release SORAM Meetings within Prisons. Further contact with PPANI/ MAPPA.

Statistics Summary of Stable Data April 2017 1st Stables Year Stable Completed No. 2010 59 2011 99 2012 90 2013 92 2014 53 2015 50 2016 65 2017 9 Total 517 Risk-Level Number % 1-Low 57 11.0% 2-Moderate 316 61.1% 3-High 144 27.9% Total 517 100%

Statistics contd. Summary of Stable Data April 2017 Subsequent Stables Year Stable Completed No. 2010 9 2011 37 2012 54 2013 53 2014 2015 42 2016 41 2017 10 Total 308 Risk-Level Number % 1-Low 24 7.8% 2-Moderate 199 65.0% 3-High 83 27.1% Total 306 100%

PS Sex Offender Data As of March 30th 2017 No. 1. All Sex Offenders Community 258 2. Sex Offenders served sentence 183 3. Sex Offenders Community no sentence 75 4. Current Cases Subject to SORAM 195

Other Services / Supports PACE is a community based non-governmental organisation (NGO) Operates three separate services for people convicted of harmful sexual behaviour and who are classified as being of medium to high risk of reoffending They are: Safer Lives Treatment Programme Foothold Floating Support Service Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) All of these services are funded by the Probation Service