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Home Detention

The Home Detention Program was initially piloted in 2004 for a three year period as a key initiative of the Corrections Long Term Management Strategy. It was confirmed as an ongoing program in late 2006.

How does Home Detention work?

Both the courts and the Adult Parole Board may direct offenders to home detention. During submissions to the court on sentencing, the offender or their solicitor may suggest home detention as an option. Serving prisoners may apply to the Adult Parole Board for consideration of home detention as a pre-parole option. Corrections Victoria Home Detention Unit staff provide assessment reports to the courts or the Adult Parole Board advising of the suitability of the offender for the program.

Offenders with a history of violence, sex offences, offences involving firearms or prohibited weapons, stalking, or commercial drug trafficking are not eligible, regardless of the nature of their current offence. Offenders who have previously breached family violence intervention orders are also ineligible.

Family members and potential co-residents must give permission for the offender to serve home detention.

Courts can sentence offenders to a maximum twelve months on home detention.  Offenders approved by the Adult Parole Board can serve up to six months.

How are offenders monitored?

Offenders may still participate in employment, and maintain family and community ties, but their freedom is significantly restricted. Offenders are subject to an electronic monitoring system, and must observe a strict curfew and submit to random breath and urine tests.

Offenders may be required to undertake programs to address offending-related behaviour, including attendance at education, training, unpaid community work, or counselling.  Offenders have regular face-to-face meetings with their supervising officers, and  must accept random home visits from their supervising officer at any time.

How does the electronic monitoring equipment work?

Offenders wear a lightweight tamper-sensitive electronic bracelet, which interacts with a small monitoring unit attached to the telephone at the offender's residence. Supervising officers also use mobile units that interact with the bracelet, so that officers can check whether the offender is at an approved location.

What happens if an offender breaches their Home Detention Order?

Breaches are dealt with by the Home Detention Unit Manager or the Adult Parole Board. Minor breaches of home detention conditions can be dealt with by the Manager, Home Detention.  Serious breaches are dealt with by the Adult Parole Board. When a serious breach occurs, the Adult Parole Board may revoke the Home Detention Order and issue a warrant for the offender's arrest.

What are the benefits of home detention?

It allows offenders to maintain community ties through employment and education, and enables families to stay together. Offenders identify, develop, and maintain supports in their local community. Organised programs, employment, and unpaid community work provide positive contributions which benefit the community. Offenders have greater opportunity for integration/reintegration into the community, less risk of reoffending, and less overall cost to the community.