Plan, Supervise, Enforce and Review Sentences Served in the Community by Those Who Have

Unit Title

EB3

Plan, supervise, enforce and review sentences served in the community by those who have mental health problems and who pose a significant risk

Summary

This unit focuses on planning, supervising, enforcing and monitoring sentences served in the community by people who have mental health problems and who pose a significant risk (as defined through the use of a recognised and approved risk assessment system). This includes

community sentences (such as probation orders, supervision orders, community service orders or combination orders)
parts of sentences served in the community under licence following release from custody.

A range of different agencies, including health and social services, are likely to be involved in working with individuals who have mental health problems and are living in the community. The worker will need to ensure that they are actively sharing information with the different agencies involved to ensure integration and coherence between the supervision for which they are responsible and the care of the individual. Throughout, the worker will need to operate within relevant legislation, service standards (eg National Standards) and good practice guidelines and on the basis of evidence of effective practice.

There are four elements:

EB3.1 / Plan the supervision of individuals who have mental health problems serving sentences in the community
EB3.2 / Supervise individuals who have mental health problems serving sentences in the community
EB3.3 / Enforce court orders and statutory licences on individuals who have mental health problems serving sentences in the community
EB3.4 / Monitor and review the progress of individuals who have mental health problems serving sentences in the community

Target Group

This unit is designed to be relevant to workers who hold responsibility for the supervision of offenders who have mental health problems and who pose a significant risk under sentence in the community. This unit is most likely to be applicable in probation, criminal justice social work and youth justice services.
Skills for Justice / Page 1
National Occupational Standards for Community Justice Units / Final version approved November 2006

Linked Units

EA4Assess the offending behaviour of individuals who have mental health problems and prepare proposals for their sentencing and management
EB1Supervise, enforce and review low to medium risk offenders serving sentences the community
EB2Plan, supervise, enforce and review sentences in the community
FI3Develop plans to manage the risk of harm of releasing and resettling offenders in the community following custodial sentences
EC7Reinforce positive behavioural goals during relationships with individuals
AD1Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies

Place in Qualifications

This is an optional unit in the Community Justice (Work with offending behaviour) NVQ/SVQ level 4. When used within NVQs and SVQs, simulations (such as case studies or role play) can be used as one source of evidence for this unit; however evidence from real practice must form the majority of the candidate’s performance evidence.
Skills for Justice / Page 1
National Occupational Standards for Community Justice Units / Final version approved November 2006

Element

EB3.1

Plan the supervision of individuals who have mental health problems serving sentences in the community

Performance Criteria

To meet the standard, you

1 / gather available information from relevant sources and summarise and structure it in a way which facilitates its analysis
2 / seek advice, information and support promptly from appropriate specialists where there is insufficient information on which to make valid and justifiable decisions about the supervision of individuals, and where the worker is unsure of the actions they should take
3 / identify the options available consistent with

the court order or statutory licence served on the individual
the learning style and needs of the individual
the resources available
the individual’s treatment plan and advice from those involved in the care and treatment of the individual
known patterns of non-compliance with treatment, the associated risks of harm and the likelihood of re-offending
evidence of effective practice and appropriate theoretical frameworks related to supervising individuals with mental health problems who pose significant risk

4 / select those options which are most likely to be effective in

managing risk of harm
meeting the concerns of victims
reducing the likelihood of re-offending
the individual successfully completing the proposed option

and which are consistent with

the efficient use and availability of resources
partnership arrangements
the individual’s treatment plan and advice from those involved in the care and treatment of the individual
any legal restrictions on the movement and activities of the individual

5 / develop plans for supervising individuals in the community which are consistent with

the court order or statutory licence served on the individual
the selected options
evidence of effective practice
the individual’s level of functioning and limitations
the individual’s treatment plan and its location, timing and nature

6 / include in the plans, clear descriptions of

aims
objectives
outcomes
timescales
levels of contact
the roles and responsibilities of all those involved
the use and allocation of resources
the relationship between treatment and supervision
how, when and by whom the plan and the individual’s progress will be reviewed and evaluated

7 / discuss the plan with individuals and with others who might be affected by the proposals or who may have a role in putting the proposals into effect and offer them the opportunity to comment
8 / explain to individuals

the statutory requirements for enforcing the orders and licences that apply to them
the actions which will be taken if they fail to comply

9 / confirm with the individuals their understanding of

the sentence
the actions which they have to take to comply with it and the consequences of not complying with the requirements of their treatment plan or their supervision plan
appointment and reporting arrangements

10 / seek advice and support promptly when team discussion and supervision are appropriate and where the individual’s ability to understand and comply with the requirements of their sentence is in doubt
11 / communicate information to people and agencies who are authorised and need to have it
12 / complete records accurately and clearly and store them according to agency requirements.

Range

1 / Identifying options relating to
a / challenging offending behaviour and identifying responsible opportunities
b / personal development
c / addressing the mental health problems which the individual has
d / resolving other problems which the individual has
e / meeting the needs of the individual’s family
f / reintegration into the community.
2 / Risk of harm to
a / the public, including actual and potential victims and people significant to the individual
b / people working with the individual
c / the individual him/herself
d / property.
3 / Reducing the likelihood of re-offending relates to the following factors
a / the factors contributing to the individual’s offending
b / the individual’s motivation to change
c / the individual’s previous response to any previous sentences
d / the individual’s learning styles and learning needs
e / the individual’s mental health problems and their associated treatment goals.

Explanatory Notes

The individual’s treatment plan (performance criterion 3) is that determined by the mental health professional who is accountable for their care and may include requirements regarding medication, participation in therapeutic programmes etc.

Resources (performance criterion 4) would include services and costs (eg charges for any prescribed medication).

The actions which individuals have to take to comply with their sentence (performance criterion 9) may include reporting, keeping appointments with mental health practitioners, taking prescribed medication etc.

People and agencies (performance criterion 11) will include services in the location where the individual is to live, such as mental health, housing and social care services etc.

Element

EB3.2

Supervise individuals who have mental health problems serving sentences in the community

Performance Criteria

To meet the standard, you

1 / prioritise those cases which have the highest risk of harm when supervising the whole case load
2 / inform individuals clearly of

how the supervision is to take place and its purpose in protecting the public
the requirements for enforcing orders and licences
what they are required to do to comply with the orders and licences that apply to them
what will happen if they fail to comply
and confirm their understanding of the information

3 / supervise individuals in ways which

manage risk of harm
are consistent with their sentences
are consistent with their treatment plans and programmes
deal with issues of control
maintain appropriate role boundaries
are consistent with known effective practice
conform to statutory requirements
are sufficient to identify problems, consistent with the level of risk of harm that the individual poses
are consistent with anti-discriminatory practice

4 / agree with people who are working with individuals their roles and responsibilities in relation to treating individuals’ mental health problems and supervising individuals during their sentence and the relationship between these aspects
5 / maintain contact with people who are working with individuals at a frequency sufficient to identify and address any problems and to manage risk of harm
6 / communicate with individuals throughout the process in a manner which

is appropriate to them
encourages an open exchange of views and information
minimises any constraints to communication
is free from discrimination and oppression
offers constructive feedback on progress
encourages them to explore and review their perception of their offending behaviour

7 / give individuals clear and accurate advice about additional sources of support which might be appropriate to them
8 / challenge attitudes and behaviour which are aggressive, abusive or discriminatory while taking account of personal safety
9 / manage physically aggressive behaviour by the safest possible methods for the individual, the worker and others and in a manner which is consistent with legal and agency requirements
10 / issue clear warnings to individuals when there is a risk of non-compliance
11 / seek advice and support promptly when team discussion and supervision are appropriate and where the individual’s ability to understand and comply with the requirements of their sentence is in doubt
12 / complete records accurately and clearly and store them according to agency requirements
13 / report any issues which may affect treatment or sentencing promptly to healthcare professionals who are working with individuals

Range

1 / Risk of harm to
a / the public, including actual and potential victims and people significant to the individual
b / people working with the individual
c / the individual him/herself
d / property.
2 / People who are working with individuals
a / the individual’s partner, family and friends
b / other staff in the worker’s agency
c / staff in partner agencies working with the individual
d / healthcare staff who are involved with the treatment of the individual
e / staff in other agencies involved with the individual.

Explanatory Notes

Team discussion and supervision (performance criterion 11) includes inter-agency case conferences or meetings.

Healthcare staff who are involved with the treatment of the individual (range 2d) are likely to include: the individual’s GP, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers.

Element

EB3.3

Enforce court orders and statutory licences on individuals who have mental health problems serving sentences in the community

Performance Criteria

To meet the standard, you

1 / obtain sufficient information from the necessary range of people in all cases of apparent non-compliance
2 / verify the information obtained and establish the level of seriousness relating to it
3 / establish reasons for apparent non-compliance with individuals and with people who are working with individuals
4 / warn individuals of the potential consequences of non-compliance in a manner which is likely to secure compliance with the order or licence
5 / seek advice and support promptly when team discussion and supervision are appropriate and where the individual’s ability to understand and comply with the requirements of their sentence is in doubt
6 / take appropriate breach actions consistent with agency policy and statutory requirements
7 / present themselves and interact with others in a manner which promotes the work of the agency and is consistent with the promotion of individuals’ rights
8 / write a full and accurate breach report which contains sufficient information for prosecution in cases where there is a clear breach of licences or orders and offer advice on actions that could be taken should the breach be proved
9 / distribute breach reports to the relevant people within the necessary timescales
10 / complete records accurately and clearly and store them according to agency requirements.

Range

1 / Non-compliance
a / the keeping of appointments
b / reporting instructions
c / the requirements for treatment of the mental health problem
d / behaviour and conduct specifically required by the order or licence
e / any additional conditions imposed in the order or licence.
2 / Relevant people
a / the individual serving the sentence
b / the individual’s partner, family and friends
c / line manager
d / other staff in the worker’s agency
e / staff in partner agencies working with the individual
f / healthcare staff who are involved with the treatment of the individual
g / staff in other agencies involved with the individual.

Explanatory Notes

Team discussion and supervision (performance criterion 5) includes inter-agency case conferences or meetings.

Presenting themselves in a manner which promotes the work of the agency (performance criterion 7) will include their dress, speech and body language.

Information for prosecution (performance criterion 8) will include previous convictions, original offence, copy of order or licence, record of completion, warning letters and court action, behaviour reports, current risk assessment, diagnosis and prognosis of mental health problems and related treatment plans.

Element

EB3.4

Monitor and review the progress of individuals who have mental health problems serving sentences in the community

Performance Criteria

To meet the standard, you

1 / monitor the individual’s progress against the sentence plan on an ongoing basis
2 / gather up-to-date information on the individual’s progress against plans from people who are working with individuals
3 / hold regular sessions to review progress with individuals in a manner which encourages them to express their views and reflect on their progress
4 / observe the individual’s behaviour during interactions with them, accurately recognise any signs which indicate positive or negative change in the individual’s mental health and take any necessary action
5 / review the most recent risk assessment in the light of the new information gained and take the necessary steps to revise the risk assessment and inform those who need to know
6 / draw conclusions which are justifiable from the information and which avoid bias
7 / offer individuals constructive feedback on their progress
8 / identify new goals and objectives with individuals when these are required in consultation and agreement with those treating the individual and make any necessary alterations to the plan
9 / seek advice and support promptly when team discussion and supervision are appropriate
10 / revise the plan clearly and communicate it to people who are authorised to have it
11 / explain alterations to others who may be affected by, or who have a role in, implementing the sentence, and confirm their understanding of the revised plan
12 / complete records accurately and clearly and store them according to agency requirements.

Range

1 / People who are working with individuals
a / the individual’s partner, family and friends
b / other staff in the worker’s agency
c / staff in partner agencies working with the individual
d / healthcare staff who are involved with the treatment of the individual
e / staff in other agencies involved with the individual.
2 / Sessions to review progress against
a / aims
b / objectives
c / outcomes
d / timescales
e / levels of contact
f / the roles and responsibilities of all those involved
g / the interventions and methods used
h / the use and allocation of resources
i / how, when and by whom the plan and the individual’s progress will be reviewed and evaluated
j / effectiveness of programmes in reducing offending
k / initial risk assessment and risk management plan.

Explanatory Notes

The necessary action (performance criterion 4) may include contacting mental health practitioners involved with the individual and passing on information, informing others involved in the supervision and care of the individual.

Unit

EB3

Plan, supervise, enforce and review sentences served in the community by those who have mental health problems and who pose a significant risk

Knowledge and Understanding

To meet the standard, you need to know and understand

Working with individuals who have mental health problems and who pose a significant risk

1 / the main types of mental health problems (depression, manic depression, schizophrenia, personality disorder etc), how they affect peoples’ behaviour, perception and understanding; the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and the ways in which people experiencing such problems may feel and experience the world; the diagnosis of the individual’s mental health problems, how their mental health problems are likely to affect them, and their longer term prognosis
2 / the range of factors that may influence individuals’ mental health, and how mental health problems may affect people differently (eg at different ages); the range of needs of people with mental health problems, how their needs and others’ perception of their needs may be influenced by race, gender, disability, age; the discrimination and prejudice that people with mental health problems face and how these can be compounded by discrimination and prejudice relating to their race, gender, disability, age
3 / debates surrounding links between mental health, substance use, offending, therapeutic approaches and behaviour; their particular effects on people who have mental health problems, and how to recognise and monitor them
4 / the range of approaches for the relief of the causes and symptoms of mental health problems, including medical, psychological and other treatments; the range of approaches for providing social and practical support for people with mental health problems, including housing, daytime opportunities and income
5 / the particular treatments and therapeutic approaches which have been prescribed for the individual and how these are likely to affect their behaviour and how non-compliance with their treatment plan may affect their behaviour; the individual’s prescribed medication, the potential side-effects and the particular effects of combining their prescribed medication with other substances
6 / the way that mental health services are organised and delivered, the agencies and practitioners involved and how to access their services and expertise; the system for arranging and managing care including formal assessment of mental health, the care programme approach, supervision registers, and community care assessment
7 / the range of local support services available to people in the community with mental health problems and how to access these
8 / the importance of effective joint work with other agencies in the supervision and management of people who have mental health problems, the roles and responsibilities of the different agencies involved and methods of reviewing and improving the effectiveness of joint work; the particular importance of ensuring effective exchange of information between agencies involved with the individuals who have mental health problems and who pose a significant risk, the worker’s and their agency’s role in this
9 / risks to people with mental health problems of abuse by others, self harm, suicidal behaviour, how to recognise and monitor these risks
10 / the rights of people with mental health problems including in relation to mental health law, access to health service records and information about treatments and alternatives
11 / how to recognise indicators of change in the individual’s mental health and the actions they should take
12 / the impact of crime on victims/survivors and their need for protection, respect, recognition, information and confidentiality
13 / the ways in which the physical, social, psychological and emotional development and functioning of individuals affects their behaviour and its associated patterns
14 / relevant research into the relationship between known factors which influence offending behaviour and evidence of effective practice in tackling these factors, and how the candidate has applied these in their work
15 / methods for assessing and managing risk within the agency context, including the use of risk assessment systems
16 / methods of encouraging the effective involvement of the individual in the assessment
17 / the purpose of clarifying with individuals, and confirming their understanding of, the requirements of their sentence, their responsibilities and the likely consequences of any failure to comply
18 / the nature and boundaries of the relationship with the individual, ways of maintaining appropriate boundaries, why it is important to do so, and the possible dangers of boundaries being breached
19 / the case registration and management procedures used within the agency specific to mental health, and the worker’s responsibilities within these
20 / the options for supervising the individual which they considered and the reasoning processes they used in determining the most appropriate options for the individual concerned given the overall context of their treatment plans; the options for supporting individuals which they considered and the reasoning processes they used in determining the most appropriate options for the individual concerned
21 / methods of reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of sentences and the interventions contained within them.

Working within the community justice sector