Integrated Offender Management Changing the Way We Work With Offenders in New Zealand

• NCJ Number: 200307
• Author(s): Tracy Mellor
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Corporate Author: New Zealand Dept of Corrections
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Paper presented at the Probation and Community Corrections: Making the Community Safer Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology and the Probation and Community Corrections Officers' Association Inc., held in Perth, Australia, on September 23-24, 2002. Downloaded May 12, 2003.

Annotation

This paper describes the design, implementation, and current standing of Integrated Offender Management (IOM) in New Zealand.

Abstract

The Department of Corrections in New Zealand sought to implement a program of IOM because of problems with high rates of incarceration and recidivism, lack of quality in reporting practices, lack of integration between department services, and a lack of direction for the targeting of resources. IOM offers a structured approach to offender management, which utilizes standard tools for the assessment and management of offender needs. Consistent induction, assessment, offender management, and targeted interventions are the goal of the IOM program. The first phase involved with the New Zealand project was the design of the IOM model that would be appropriate for the department's needs. The design process involved a review of the available resources and the development of a consistent assessment and targeting plan. The implementation process involved assembling project teams, a steering committee, and appointing a Project Manager. The most important implementation functions were to gain staff support for the IOM program and to train staff on the new job requirements. The report concludes with a review of ongoing implementation responsibilities and plans for a formal program evaluation.