COATS Prison Referral Form - Parole Officers

This referral form is to be used by Parole Officers only.

If you are referring a client for StepOut, please use the COATS Prision Referral- StepOut

This referral form is to be submitted by the Parole Officer for one of the following:

• Parole has been granted to a client
• An application for parole has been made within 3 to 6 months prior to the client's EED

COATS will undertake an assessment of these clients in custody, however will only arrange treatment if recommended, and a parole date has been confirmed. It is the responsibility of the Parole Officer or CCS Case Manager to provide COATS with updates regarding the client's parole application, so that treatment can be arranged with a suitable provider in the community.

Please note that if referrals are not received within 10 business days of a parole date, COATS may not be able to arrange an assessment appointment with the prison prior to the client's release. In this instance COATS will notify the relevant CCS location that an assessment will need to be arranged for the client in the community once they are released from custody.  A full COATS referral containing all documents will be required in this instance. 

COATS will endeavour to assess all clients in custody if referred within reasonable time frames. 

Once you have submitted this referral form, COATS will review the details in order to arrange an assessment at the custodial facility for the client. To assist in the development of a comprehensive report, please forward a copy of the client’s Parole order, Victoria Police Criminal Record, summaries (if available) and any other relevant information to prisonreferral@acso.org.au. 

For any queries relating to this referral form or referral eligibility, please contact the Client Services Unit at prisonreferral@acso.org.au or 03 9413 7196 for assistance.