Risk of Harm - Guidance and Training Resources

Activity 4-2

Strengthening Risk Management Strategies

Review the earlier case study of Mike in Activity 3-16 and Activity 3-18 and an additional case study of John.

The Case of John

John when aged 25 was sentenced to a 6 year custodial sentence in relation to offences of abduction, assault and robbery. John, together with a friend, abducted two men late at night from outside a local night spot and drove them to a secluded area where they then assaulted and robbed the victims. There were numerous weapons utilised in the course of the attack, including a ball and chain, a knife and a metal bar. John had a history of significant drug misuse although he did not consider this to be an addiction, rather heavy recreational use. He used prescription drugs (such as valium), amphetamine and cocaine. John had pre-convictions for assault. At the time of the offences he was living partly at home with his parents and partly with various friends on a temporary basis.

In discussing his index offences, John displayed no understanding of the possible impact of his behaviour on the victims and viewed them as having been "fair game". He also indicated that he had little insight into what lead up to the offence although elements of some planning were apparent. John was generally cooperative in interview but could become verbally aggressive if challenged about his behaviour. After three years, John was released from custody on parole licence with a condition of drug counselling having co-operated well in prison and having passed all mandatory drugs tests.

In the first few weeks following release, John engaged well and was referred to the local drugs counselling service for assessment. He was living with his parents who remained supportive of him. He had plans to return to study in the following academic year and was in full time employment within the family's firm.

Over the course of sessions, it emerged that John had a keen interest in Military history. He would become fairly animated during discussions, and boasted a collection of weapons. Increasingly it appeared that John was obsessed by weapons and violence. It also emerged that the weapons used during the attack were from his collection.

Shortly after the first review, John started to miss appointments or would call to rearrange. He was struggling to keep appointments in the morning and his physical appearance deteriorated. It was learned that he had begun to associate with the same group of friends with whom he was involved at the time of the offence, friends who were known to the department as having substance misuse problems and to be actively offending.

Use the space provided in the table below torecord your answers to the following questions:

  1. Contact with the supervising officer and attendance at the drug counselling sessions are the main external controls in place in this case. What other external control strategies should be used?

  1. How is John being helped to develop internal control over his behaviour and how can the effectiveness of these strategies be increased?

  1. John's supportive parents and ability to live with them are significant protective factors how should those protective factors be built on and strengthened?

Activity Worksheet: Activity 4-2Page 1

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