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I reviewed the scenario on page 16 regarding looking after the offender's cat. While, it can be a positive thing to be considered a trusted person with a cat I would feel it is important to maintain professional boundaries in this case. There is the need to do this in a considered and thoughtful manner taking into account the difficult time he is experiencing as well as the rapport we have developed. I would be honest regarding policies and professional conduct regarding not looking after the cat and focus on options such as considering neighbours or boarding. Possibly there may be an opportunity to approach a community organisation who may assist with cost of boarding in circumstances such as this. I have previously had similar situations working with people with mental health issues with their valued pets - working positively toward exploring options can actually be useful - developing problem solving skills and coping with support. I would feel that there is a risk (even despite policies against it) that if I was to look after the cat on this occasion I might feel obliged to step in beyond my role in future situations. 

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I reviewed the scenario on page 16 regarding looking after the offender's cat. While, it can be a positive thing to be considered a trusted person with a cat I would feel it is important to maintain professional boundaries in this case. There is the need to do this in a considered and thoughtful manner taking into account the difficult time he is experiencing as well as the rapport we have developed. I would be honest regarding policies and professional conduct regarding not looking after the cat and focus on options such as considering neighbours or boarding. Possibly there may be an opportunity to approach a community organisation who may assist with cost of boarding in circumstances such as this. I have previously had similar situations working with people with mental health issues with their valued pets - working positively toward exploring options can actually be useful - developing problem solving skills and coping with support. I would feel that there is a risk (even despite policies against it) that if I was to look after the cat on this occasion I might feel obliged to step in beyond my role in future situations. 

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In regards to scenario 4.1
The first point of discussion would revolve around how the client would feel about being enrolled to participate in some treatment programs, such as alcoholics anonymous (or equivalent) and a domestic violence offenders program, I would try and gauge his attitude toward this, as to see if it is positive or negatively geared. Due to the client being assessed as "high risk of domestic violence reoffending", in thinking of the community and past victims, I would make it a priority to organise him to commence the treatment programs as soon as possible. I would then discuss the benefits of these programs with the client, and re-establish the actual occurrence of him being intoxicated, whilst these offences have taken place. Followed by discussion of the possibility that this could be impacting on his behaviour, and toward the whole incident, for instance if he was acting in self defence, the police might have misjudged the situation in light of his intoxication at the time. I would assure him that I am acting in his best interest, and that I am unbiased in relation to his offence, however I would assert that while he may have acted in self defence it was not my judgement call on that  decision (his charge), and that I need to act in accordance to the information that I have been given. Lastly, I would also try and support him if he believes he is a victim, by providing him with some information toward seeking some relationship counselling, so he has a better understanding of how to coordinate and manage himself within intimate relationships, e.g. advice on domestic  household  chore equality (cooking, cleaning and so he can  learn how to recognise if he is being victimised, and what correct course of actions he should take if this occurs in the future  etc. Next in scenario 4.3 I would first explore how he is coping with the death of his father, and let him know that I do understand the different complexities he may face in this circumstance, and let him know that I can offer him support in accessing grief counselling, and advise him there are other services that can also help, such as the salvation army. As for his cat, I would ask for him to remain positive, as although I can not look after his cat due to community services policies, we can look into some other solutions for the welfare of his cat, such as maybe a pet motel or even explain the circumstance to an animal shelter or vet, and they might be able to arrange a temporary service for someone to look after the cat etc. I would inform him that while I can not look after his cat, I appreciate that he feels that he could trust me with such a task, and I would encourage him to continue to not associate with criminals and let him know that this is a achievement that shows he is moving forward.  I would also recommend that he engage in some community based social activites, or join a group or class that relates to some hobby or sport he may be interested in, so he can make some new friends who can act as a support network and that share his interests etc. Furthermore, I would try and secure an appointment dependant on my schedule priorities (other clients etc), for when he gets back, as being in a grief stricken state may make him more vulnerable to relapsing into bad behaviour, so assessing his behaviour and attitude when he gets back would be pertinent toward giving him further support and in reducing the chances of reoffending.
Tania. B

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In scenario 4.3 the case manager is placed in a difficult situation that involves a question of ethics as she needs to balance her accountability to the offender with her professional obligations. As the case manager I would proceed as follows.

As I am unsure of the organisational policy in regards to taking care of an offender's cat while they are away I would make it a priority to check my policy information after the session with the offender. If I was not able to clear up my uncertainties regarding this matter to my complete satisfaction I would check with my supervisor (or someone else in the organisation that would know and would be in a position to tell me- not just asking a colleague's opinion on what they would do). However, due to the time restriction I would err on the side of caution, and trust my first thought, which is that it would be inappropriate to look after the offender's cat, even though we have a very good rapport and he has progressed very well.

Firstly, I would show understanding by expressing my sympathy and saying something along the lines of "I'm sorry for your loss and I understand this is a very difficult time," This would continue the good rapport between myself and the offender and show him that I understand where he is coming from and that I am there to support him, in a professional capacity.
Secondly, I would show appreciation of the work he has done by stating something like "You've done such a good job this past twelve months. That you have been given authorisation to travel reflects this,"
I would then display assertion ( while showing appreciation) by telling the offender that "You've done very well, but I don't think that I will be able to do that,"
After the offender reminded me that he has ceased all contact with past criminal associates to complete a goal in order to reduce the risk of his reoffending, but has not formed any new associations since I would simultaneously show understanding and appreciation and assertion through the next part of the conversation. "I understand that it was hard for you to do that, but it was a good achievement. Do you agree that it has helped to reduce your risk of reoffending?"
I would then display non-verbal listening skills before replying that I know it has been hard not making any new associations or significant friendships in the meantime but that unless I am sure of the organisational policies it would not be ethical for me to look after his cat, because of our professional relationship. Thus, I would also be acting with integrity. I would then suggest that we talk more about the associate/friendship issue after we have found a solution for this problem. I would again use my non-verbal listening skills. I would also remind him that I am here to support him as much as I can.
After, I would work with him to develop a range of possibilities for his cat to be looked after so that he is not forced to give the cat away. Throughout this brainstorming session I would continue to stand my ground, thus displaying assertion, show understanding, use my non-verbal listening skills when needed and act with integrity while respecting the offender and his worries.
While I would not commit to anything, so that I would not have to go back on my word and risk negatively impacting my relationship with the offender, I would be optimistic, in the hopes of fostering positivity and optimism in the offender.
By the end of the session, we would hopefully have developed a plan for having his cat looked after.

Nadine

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Scenario 4.1 

Initially
you would need to ascertain whether his substance abuse is under control and
whether he is attending a management program relating to his drinking and his
temper and associated behaviours.  If he
is not receiving any support, suggest an Anger Management Course would be vital
to ensure that he knows how to cope with his anger and behaviours.  Also, suggest that he attends Alcoholic
Anonymous or a similar program to help him understand the triggers of his
drinking to the point of intoxication and learn to control his drinking or
cease entirely which in turn may help him control his violent actions.  

Given he has
a history of family violence, I would question him in relation to the incident
and if the evidence of his injuries was consistent with his efforts of self-defence.
 Just because he has a history of family
violence on this occasion he may be telling the truth and this should be fleshed
out to show some belief in his story in an attempt to gain his confidence and
show that you understand his situation. 
Although he has stated that he would never intentionally hurt a woman
does his history relate only to men or has he previously been convicted of
hurting a woman.  It only states that one
previous incident, less serious, relates to this partner.

On the basis
it does not indicate that he is currently in jail, ascertain where he is currently
living and whether he is still in the relationship with his partner.  Try to get more information from him in
relation to his relationship and whether he intends to stay in the relationship
or whether he thinks it would be better to cease.

 

Scenario 4.3

Despite
showing compassion for the loss of his father and your condolence, there must
still be an element of strength in your behaviour despite the rapport you have
built with him.  Suggest he go to a
support group in relation to the loss of his father and to enable him to deal
with his grieving given he has no local family support.  Assure him that he will have family support
at the funeral given he indicated he was travelling with them to the funeral
and that he can share some of his father’s moments with them.  Suggest that he go to social groups or start
playing a sport in an attempt to increase his social contacts and reduce the
risk of him going back to his other criminal associations.  Ask if he has any interest in sports or
perhaps volunteering work so he can meet people outside of his comfort zone to
enable him to meet people from different ethnicity or backgrounds.

In your
professional capacity as his case manager, you could not look after his cat and
explain that you would not be able to do this but suggest to him that perhaps
he could ask his neighbour if they may be able to look after his cat.   This could also allow him to make a social acquaintance.
Also, is it necessary to take a week to attend the funeral or perhaps he could
shorten his trip so the cat would have a reduced time being by itself.  Suggest to him to look in the local paper as
there are people who will come to your house and feed your animals whilst you
are away so therefore you remove yourself from the situation by offering other
methods of support which he may not have thought of.

Kerrie O’Sullivan

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Scenario 4.1 

Initially
you would need to ascertain whether his substance abuse is under control and
whether he is attending a management program relating to his drinking and his
temper and associated behaviours.  If he
is not receiving any support, suggest an Anger Management Course would be vital
to ensure that he knows how to cope with his anger and behaviours.  Also, suggest that he attends Alcoholic
Anonymous or a similar program to help him understand the triggers of his
drinking to the point of intoxication and learn to control his drinking or
cease entirely which in turn may help him control his violent actions.  

Given he has
a history of family violence, I would question him in relation to the incident
and if the evidence of his injuries was consistent with his efforts of self-defence.
 Just because he has a history of family
violence on this occasion he may be telling the truth and this should be fleshed
out to show some belief in his story in an attempt to gain his confidence and
show that you understand his situation. 
Although he has stated that he would never intentionally hurt a woman
does his history relate only to men or has he previously been convicted of
hurting a woman.  It only states that one
previous incident, less serious, relates to this partner.

On the basis
it does not indicate that he is currently in jail, ascertain where he is currently
living and whether he is still in the relationship with his partner.  Try to get more information from him in
relation to his relationship and whether he intends to stay in the relationship
or whether he thinks it would be better to cease.

 

Scenario 4.3

Despite
showing compassion for the loss of his father and your condolence, there must
still be an element of strength in your behaviour despite the rapport you have
built with him.  Suggest he go to a
support group in relation to the loss of his father and to enable him to deal
with his grieving given he has no local family support.  Assure him that he will have family support
at the funeral given he indicated he was travelling with them to the funeral
and that he can share some of his father’s moments with them.  Suggest that he go to social groups or start
playing a sport in an attempt to increase his social contacts and reduce the
risk of him going back to his other criminal associations.  Ask if he has any interest in sports or
perhaps volunteering work so he can meet people outside of his comfort zone to
enable him to meet people from different ethnicity or backgrounds.

In your
professional capacity as his case manager, you could not look after his cat and
explain that you would not be able to do this but suggest to him that perhaps
he could ask his neighbour if they may be able to look after his cat.   This could also allow him to make a social acquaintance.
Also, is it necessary to take a week to attend the funeral or perhaps he could
shorten his trip so the cat would have a reduced time being by itself.  Suggest to him to look in the local paper as
there are people who will come to your house and feed your animals whilst you
are away so therefore you remove yourself from the situation by offering other
methods of support which he may not have thought of.

Kerrie O’Sullivan

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National Offender Management Service (NOMS)

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This video depicts the kind of role play simulation you can expect on during your assessment. Watch out for the competencies you will be assessed on.