What is the Reintegration Home Detention Scheme?

In May 2018, the reintegration home detention scheme was introduced to further assist eligible and suitable incarcerated offenders to be reintegrated into the community.

The reintegration home detention scheme allows an offender to be released into the community, under strict surveillance conditions, in the last six months of their non-parole period.

The rationale behind the introduction of the scheme is outlined in the second reading speech to the Parole Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 which notes that, “evidence shows that a parole system that reintegrates offenders back into the community with supervision aimed at addressing offending behaviour works to reduce reoffending. This makes the community safer. Reducing reoffending means fewer victims.”

Similar schemes are already in place in South Australia and the United Kingdom.

Am I Eligible?

Reintegration home detention is not available for an offender who is serving a term of imprisonment for the following offences:

1. Domestic violence offence within the meaning of the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 (NSW)
2. Child sexual offence within the meaning of section 21A of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW)
3. Serious sexual offence of a serious violence offence within the meaning of the Crimes (High Risk Offenders) Act 2006 (NSW)
4. A terrorism offence

The State Parole Authority also does not have any input in determining who may be suitable for consideration for the reintegration home detention scheme. Eligible offenders are selected by Corrective Services NSW. If Community Corrections NSW considers an offender suitable for the scheme, then a suitability assessment report is prepared. The Parole Authority will then consider the report prepared by Corrective Services NSW. The Parole Authority will only make a reintegration home detention order if it is in the interests of community safety.

Can a Reintegration Home Detention Order be Revoked?

Yes, the State Parole Authority can decide to revoke a reintegration home detention order. This can be done because you have either breached one of the conditions attached to the order, or alternatively, the State Parole Authority is of the view that the offender presents a serious and immediate risk of harm to him or herself or to others. If the State Parole Authority revokes the reintegration home detention order, the offender will be returned to custody.

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