CSCORG302A
Prepare reports for justice agencies

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to prepare formal reports necessary within the justice system. It is concerned with providing information in a statutory context according to the needs and requirements of offender services and the conditions imposed by courts and sentences. It includes exchanging information for specific purposes, adapting written communication to people and situations, collecting and analysing information and written communication, and maintaining the security of information. Knowledge of legislation and judicial requirements within which justice agencies operate is essential.

Application

This unit can be applied using a combination of training outcomes and performance in the workplace, with the principal evidence developed through performance in routine work functions in the workplace.

In practice, preparing reports for justice agencies overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities, such as delivering client services, handling information, preparing reports, using technology, etc.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Maintain current information.

1.1 Assess offenders' circumstances and obligations according to legislative context and organisational procedures.

1.2 Check and confirm information related to the conditions of court decisions and sentencing.

1.3 Review offender information and amend according to new information.

1.4 Interview key people to provide the specific information needed to comply with court conditions and sentencing.

1.5 Review services, agencies and programs that relate to the conditions of courts and sentencing and determine suitability and priorities.

2Prepare reports.

2.1 Identify range of reports required by the judicial system in the management of offenders.

2.2 Find information relevant to the purpose of the report and needs of the audience, check it for accuracy and seek more if it is needed.

2.3 Prepare reports in appropriate or agreed formats that meet the needs of the audience.

2.4 Provide conclusions, summaries and recommendations which are consistent with the purpose of the reports and the use they will have.

2.5 Provide realistic options and recommendations and justify them for availability, appropriateness, resources and outcomes.

2.6 Document the basis for advice and recommendations.

2.7 Send reports to selected or relevant people and ask them for feedback.

2.8 Handle all information according to the requirements of the organisation and ethical values and principles.

Required Skills

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

adjusting written communication to suit audience and situation

applying appropriate written communication techniques to workplace situations

analysing information and extracting the important points

reading and summarising complex legal documents

checking and confirming with reliable sources inside and outside the organisation the accuracy and relevance of information

sorting information into a logical pattern and determining its relevance and priority

determining the sequence of information and the suitable degree of detail

checking what extra information is needed and finding it

making conclusions that are clearly based on the information

providing information in the correct format, language and form required by the judicial agency and consistent with the organisation's reporting standards

presenting written material in the range of media used in the workplace, including information technology software (e.g. word processing packages)

recognising the urgency and high risk components of specific offender management reports

handling and storing information securely and safely with awareness of environmental and sustainability practices

using the organisation's information management system.

Required knowledge:

organisation's policies, procedures, guidelines and requirements for offender management reports

correct format, language and form required by the organisation

protocols and procedures for communicating in writing with others

types of reports required in the justice system for the management of offenders

sentencing conditions and requirements, including compliance and breaches of conditions

reporting requirements in offender management

rules of evidence

security of information, freedom of information and confidentiality of information

relevant cultural practices within the organisation and community

identification of discriminative language

technical and professional language used in the government and community safety sectors

legislation and statutory obligations of reporting in own state or territory justice system, including legal requirements of own role and responsibilities.

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

This unit should be assessed in the workplace with demonstrated application to the range of communication requirements encountered in the predictable requirements of the work site.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit

ability to prepare reports for justice agencies in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered by an individual when preparing reports for justice agencies, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine

copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the preparation of formal reports required within the justice system

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding, including explanations of the different purposes of reports in the context of legislative and judicial requirements

completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative context and organisational procedures include:

confidentiality

authorised access to or use of information

freedom of information

protection of privacy

data protection and the storage and security of information

use of information technology and other electronic or telecommunication systems.

Offender information can be gathered using a range of different sources and strategies, including:

offender information system

offender family and support

structured interviews

case notes

specialist reports

justice system reports

colleagues.

Range of reports required should include:

offender assessment

routine periodic reports, as conditions of supervision

case management reports

parole board reports

bail reports

pre-sentence reports

post-sentence reports

appeals and reviews

occupational health and safety reports

special inquiry reports

reports of meetings

reports of breaches in bail or sentencing conditions

reports to specialist services.

Audience must include:

audiences with different levels of authority and status

audiences inside the organisation

audiences outside the organisation.

Appropriate or agreed formats should include requirements for:

detail

accuracy of information

logic

clarity and appropriateness of language

outcomes, recommendations and judgements

urgency.

Ethical values and principles must include:

respect for the law

integrity

objectivity

accountability

honesty

openness

responsibility

impartiality

diligence

trustworthiness

confidentiality

natural justice.


Sectors

Organisational administration and management.


Competency Field

Not applicable.


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.