Course Title: Support the management of adult offenders within the Victorian correctional framework

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2017

Course Code: JUST5727

Course Title: Support the management of adult offenders within the Victorian correctional framework

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4323 - Certificate IV in Justice

Course Contact: Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581

Course Contact Email: irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

N/A

Course Description

In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to support the application of legislative and systemic processes in the management of adult offenders in the Victorian correctional framework.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU20871 Support the management of adult offenders within the Victorian correctional framework

Element:

1. Review the key features of the Victorian correctional system

 

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Evolution of punishment in Western society and the correctional system in Victoria are researched 1.2 Current management practices of Victorian prisons including the impact of the Unit Management method of daily management of adult custodial offenders are investigated and reviewed 1.3 Legislative requirements and accountability measures for the Victorian Correctional system are reviewed.

Element:

2. Investigate key components of the Victoria correctional system

 

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Body of theory and debate about current practices related to management and supervision of adult offenders are identified and evaluated 3.2 Models and processes of other Australian and overseas jurisdictions are compared with those of Victoria to inform approach 3.3 Potential benefits and pitfalls of common approaches to offender management are analysed to inform own professional practice 3.4 Communication and assertiveness strategies are identified, evaluated for efficacy and practised 3.5 Feedback on performance is sought from others and used to inform future practice

Element:

3. Develop professional practice strategies to support management of adult offenders

 

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Role of Sentence Management Unit is explained 2.2 Processes of Bail, Fines and Community Integration program are examined 2.3 Functions and processes of Community Corrections are evaluated 2.4 Role and functions of the Adult Parole Board are examined

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements and the following;

  • Develop and practice strategies, including application of legal and compliance requirements, problem‐solving, and communication processes, to support the management of adult offenders across a range of key components of the Victorian correctional system
  • Provide evidence of the knowledge of the evolution of theories and practices in correctional systems that inform contemporary practice and process
  • Provide evidence of knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements
  • Provide evidence of knowledge of the functions and purpose of the main components of the Victorian correctional framework


Details of Learning Activities

  • You will participate in a variety of learning activities. They include the following:
    • Observations
    • Demonstrations
    • Lectures
    • Presentations
    • Class discussions
    • Oral and written questioning
    • Incursion/guest speaker
    • Case studies
    • Excursions
    • Observations
    • Online learning and study
    • Facilitated online discussion forums


Teaching Schedule


Session One:
History of prisons and crime:
• History of criminal laws
• Purpose of prisons historically
• Theories associated with imprisonment and punishment
• Overview of prisons in Victoria
• Discussions of assessment 1

Introduction/ discussion of assessments 1,2 and the Workbook- Students are reminded to print the instructions and assessment documents for Assessment 1 and 2 and bring them to each class - They will be provided with time to do this at the end of the session if not already done so

Session Two:

Introduction to punishment, deterrence and rehabilitation:
• Theories of punishment
• Theories of deterrence
• Therapeutic jurisprudence
• Introduction to rehabilitation
• Imprisonment and its failure to reduce recidivism
• Formative assessment- group discussions

Assessment 1: Effective deterrents
- Discuss the relevance of the assessment to the material
Due date:

Assessment 2: Offender management plan
- Remind students to print and bring the assessment to the following class

Session Three:

Sentence management:
• Role of sentence management
• Roles within the department
• Risk assessment and classification of prisoners
• Formative assessment- case scenarios- group discussions

Assessment 2: : Offender management plan
- Explain to the students the relevance of the session to assessment 2
- Have the students complete section 2 in class time

Session Four:

Bail, remand and fines:
• What is the purpose and process for bail, remand and fines as it relates to Correctional Services
• Formative group assessments- case scenario s

Assessment 1: Effective deterrents Workshop

 Session Five:
Stakeholder relationships and dual offender management:
• Identifying some of the key stakeholders in every day offender management
• Ways of communicating with stakeholders
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders
• Case conferencing and dual case management

Session Six:

Community Correctional Services:
• What is Community Correctional Services
• Roles within the department
• Purpose of the department
• Types of Community based Orders
• Order conditions
• Risk assessment
• Risk, need and responsibility
• Offender management frame work
• Formative assessment- case scenarios- group discussion’s

Assessment 2: Offender management plan workshop
- Encourage students to complete sections relating to risk management, referrals, treatment, order conditions, corrections positions, conditions etc

Session Seven:


- Revision of course material

Assessment 2: Offender management plan workshop
- Students final in class opportunity to discuss the assessment
- Assessment is due three weeks from this date

Final class for the semester

NOTE: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain competency.


You are expected to attend all scheduled classes and some classes will have sessions that are compulsory to attend (please see individual course guides). If you cannot attend a class you should advise your RMIT Educator, as RMIT monitors all student attendance.


As a student, competency is demonstrated through both knowledge and practical skills relevant to the course content and within the classroom environment. Engagement with educators and other students is critical to you maximising learning opportunities and achieving satisfactory results. Participation in classroom discussion and activities will allow educators to apply observational assessment during role-plays, exercises and assignments and provide you with feedback.


Absence from class can seriously limit your ability to pass or achieve good results. You may be asked to attend a meeting to explain more than three absences from a subject and enter into a negotiated plan of action with your Educator. This meeting is recommended as an early intervention approach that may possibly identify any underlying issues which may be affecting your attendance and identify support that RMIT may be able to give you.


Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. If your academic progress is reviewed, a good class attendance may be helpful in showing evidence of your commitment to your studies in Justice.

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Online resources will generally be made available in blackboard within each online module/session delivered and when required attached to discussion topics posted throughout the semester. Students are encouraged to initiate engagement meetings with the educator as these provide students with feedback and further support.
It is essential that you access the blackboard site at least once a week, as announcements and emails are considered an effective means of communication between educators and students.

Additional recommended readings can be downloaded from the Learning Hub for this subject.

 


Overview of Assessment

Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including case studies, observations, lectures, class discussion, essays and an exam. This will include:

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=c15i3ciaq8ca


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Tasks

All assessment tasks are based on the requirements of the performance criteria, range statements and the assessment guidelines of the course and are as follows:

 

Formative in class group and individual assessments (not marked) related to corrections aspects of the justice environment consistent with the required skills and knowledge of the unit. The formative assessments include group and individual tasks regarding case plans, questions and interactive class discussions. They are all linked to summative assessment tasks 1 and 2

Assessment Tasks

All assessment tasks are based on the requirements of the performance criteria, range statements and the assessment guidelines of the course and are as follows:

 

Formative in class group and individual assessments (not marked) related to corrections aspects of the justice environment consistent with the required skills and knowledge of the unit. The formative assessments include group and individual tasks regarding case plans, questions and interactive class discussions. They are all linked to summative assessment tasks 1 and 2

Summative Assessment 1 - Value 40%

1000 word report regarding modern day punishment, deterrence, reintegration, and rehabilitation. During this task there will be comparison between a successful overseas method of deterrence and a similar Australian method. The assessment is based on week’s 1-2 and is Due: 18/8/17 8pm


Summative Assessment 2 - Value 50%

This assessment is a 1500 word offender management plan (involving the risk assessment and management) for the offender in the fictional case scenario provided. The assessment is based on weeks 3, 7 and 8 involving practical application of the processes involved in bail and remand, sentence management, the Community Correctional Services- offender management framework. The assessment is Due date 15/9/17- 8pm

Summative assessment 3– Worth 10% Workbook

The workbook will assess the students’ knowledge based on the information online. This task is to be completed at home, reviewing the online material. This is to be submitted to the lecturer via blackboard Due in class 5/9/17- hard copy and online by 5pm  ect, they must satisfactorily prove competence in ALL assessment tasks.

 


Assessment Matrix

Assessment Matrix
This is available via MyRMIT/Studies
The assessments have been designed to cover all Learning Outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT’s Mark Table which is as follows:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did not Submit for Assessment
Grades which apply to course delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment (not-graded)
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit For Assessment
Assessment Deadlines

Any due date for any assignment is to be considered a deadline. You can submit work at any time prior to the submission date, but it must be into the Administration office by close of business (5pm) of the day the submission is due.

Assessment Format

As a student of the Justice VE program, it is expected that you adhere to the following criteria regarding essays/research/reports;
1. For ADVANCED DIPLOMA each written assessment task/s – up to 2500 words, 6 academic references and ONE in-text citation per paragraph.
2. A paragraph is usually between 200 – 250 words.
3. A sentence is usually between 20 - 25 words.
4. American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing Style is the EXPECTED referencing style for the school of Criminal Justice (VE).
5. We highly recommend that all students download a copy of the APA Referencing Guide which is available on the Blackboard or purchase a Pocket Guide to APA style from the campus bookshop.
6. APA Referencing system is to be used and all in-text citations must be recorded according to APA standards.
7. An academic reference is a scholarly source (journal articles that are peer reviewed, a published book, an approved government or organisation website etc.).
8. Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
9. It is expected that all submitted work will be well written, with clear and consistent grammar, expression and punctuation. It must be well structured and address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical ordered and organised manner.
10. Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research.
11. Double or 1.5 spacing and a font size of 10-12 must be used in either Arial or Times Roman. Do not submit double paged assessments.
12. All assignments to be submitted via the Drop Box (Building 37, level 2) and submitted via email to the Advanced Diploma email address to verify submission justice.ve.assignments@rmit.edu.au. Assessments must be submitted by 5pm (close of business).
13. Written assessments will also be submitted with a Turnitin Report attached (as instructed by your Educator).

Other Information

Other Information:
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students.
Cover Sheet for Submissions

You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of implications of plagiarism.
Please refer to the following link for on-line submission statements;
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/teaching/technology/esubmission

Cover sheets do NOT form part of your word limit for written assessment tasks.

Assignment Submissions:
The submission of assessments on the due date is the responsibility solely of the student. Students should not leave assignment preparation until the last minute and must plan their workloads so as to be able to meet advertised or notified deadlines.
If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, you need to submit any work that has been completed on the due date.
The penalty for assignments submitted late will be 10% of the maximum mark per day late or part thereof.
Weekends and holidays will attract the same penalty as weekdays.
Assignments that are late by 7 days or more will not be marked and will be awarded zero.
Attendance

It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Applying for an Extension
Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. Speak with your teacher or course coordinator regarding applying for an extension.
Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see:
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.

If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing
Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:
1. Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
2. Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
3. Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
4. Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
5. Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
6. Copying a whole or any part of another student's work; and
7. Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
8. Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.

For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93

Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com

Complaints Procedure:
RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.
Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.

Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy
Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22
Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf

Course Overview: Access Course Overview