DRM PPANI TRAINING

What is the purpose of a LAPPP The collection, analysis and interpretation of all relevant available facts and information to assess and classify behaviours regarding the likelihood to cause serious harm. To protect the public from serious harm and reduce an offenders opportunity and inclination to offend. Risk assessment procedures require accurate, relevant and detailed information. All agencies carry a responsibility for acting professionally.

What the LAPPP does not do Offender case management and offender management are the statutory responsibilities of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Probation Board for Northern Ireland. The public protection arrangements should complement rather than replace these responsibilities.

Defensible Decision Making Decisions must be grounded in evidence. Reliable risk assessment tools. Collecting, verifying and evaluating information thoroughly. Recording and accounting for decisions. Communicating with relevant others and seeking additional information. Staying within agency policies and procedures. Taking all reasonable steps. Matching interventions for management of risk to risk factors. Maintaining contact with offenders at a level commensurate with the level of harm. Responding to escalating risk, deteriorating behaviour and non- compliance.

What are the expectations of the Chair? All relevant agency representatives should be in attendance. All relevant information collated and analysed. All statutory functions completed or are in the process of conclusion. Clear and concise presentation of all salient information and opinions. An assessment of factors most likely to increase the likelihood of further serious harm and in what circumstances. A suggested plan to reduce the likelihood of re-offending, victim targeting and the factors most likely to bring about a change in the individual.

Designated Risk Managers DRM’s are the point of contact between the offender and the LAPPP. In advance of the LAPPP DRM’s should; Pro-actively engage with the Police, Social Services, NIPS, Health Services MARAC and PBNI to collate all relevant information and risk assessments or update on action plans. Interview the offender. Ensure all visitors and telephone contacts have been scrutinised. Ensure that all statutory child and public protection issues have been addressed in line with agency policy and procedures. Understand the offenders strengths and obstacles to community re- integration

What is he like? Build a relationship and layer the portrait - think of SA07 constructs in every contact. Be the genuine enquirer. How did you happen to end up here? First time in prison? How are you coping? ( substance abuse / impulsivity; poor problem solving; hostility etc.) Has he ever been married – lived with anyone? Living with anyone now? Who comes to see him / telephone contacts? (victim access/ capacity for relationships/hostility towards women?; general social rejection; lack of concern for others) What’s your plans when you get out? What would you like to do/live? How are you going to make that happen? ( victim access /problem solving / rejection of supervision / sexual pre-occupation / intimate partners/social influences)

Bringing it all together Summary of history (childhood; education; employment; relationships; medical problems; mental/emotional health; substance use) Current relationships Plans on release – accommodation; community; employment/training; relationships. Potential victim access – summary of actions taken to mitigate against risk. Internal controls and strengths – how is he presenting; will he comply?; is he hostile and unwilling to engage?

Risk Scenarios Nature: - What kind of violence is he likely to commit? Who are the likely victims? What is the likely motivation? Severity: – What would be the harm caused to the victims; Is this likely to be meet the serious harm criteria? Imminence: - How soon might he engage in a further sexual or violent offence? Are there any warning signs that might signal the risk is increasing or imminent? Likelihood – Based on the perpetrators history, how likely is it that this type of offending will occur?

Case Management Monitoring – What is the best way to monitor warning signs that the risks posed by the offender may be increasing? What events, occurrences or circumstances should trigger a re-assessment of risk? Treatment – what treatment could be recommended to address the risks posed by the offender? Supervision – What supervision strategies could be implemented to manage the risk posed by the offender; what restrictions on activities, associations; movement are suggested? Victim Safety – what steps could be taken to enhance the security of the victim ;