Under a community order, an offender may be required to attend an accredited programme. These programmes are designed to reduce specific types of offending behaviours. The programmes are led by specially trained staff. Each session is recorded and a selection of recordings is assessed internally and by the Home Office to ensure that the programme is delivered consistently throughout England and Wales to a high standard.

Offenders on all programmes must be over 18, have an IQ of over 80 and be well motivated to change. Offenders with major drug/alcohol problems, mental health problems or who respond poorly to supervision are not generally suitable.

The programmes offered in Hertfordshire are:

Drink Impaired Drivers Programme (DIDP)

This programme is for drink drivers that were at least twice over the legal limit, have previous drink drive convictions or caused an accident as a result of their offence. It is not suitable for people who have an alcohol dependency problem.

DIDP consists of 24 sessions, 14 of which are completed within the group and the remainder with the offender manager.

One to One

The One to One programme is for offenders who are unsuitable for group work situations. It is primarily for those that have been convicted before and aims to stop further offending and the creation of further victims. Through 21 weekly individual sessions the offender will examine why they commit crimes and how they can change their behaviour.

Women's Programme

This is for women offenders only who have been convicted usually of an acquisitive crime such as theft or shoplifting. Research has shown that the reasons why women offend differ from those of men. The programme consists of 31 group work sessions.

Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme (IDAP)

This programme is for domestic violence offenders. It is only for male perpetrators against female victims. The programme is continuous and offenders can join at any point. It consists of 27 group work sessions and 14 sessions carried out with the offender manager.

Whilst the offender attends the programme, our Women's Safety Worker will work with the female partner/ex partner to ensure their safety.

Think First

Think First enables offenders to look at their behaviour and how they can change to prevent further offending in the future. During the programme the offender will learn how to control thoughts, feelings and actions, develop problem solving skills and learn to appreciate the victim's perspective.

Think First consists of 22 sessions in total,  twice weekly sessions each lasting two hours.

Thames Valley Sex Offender Programme (TVSOP)

The Thames Valley Programme helps offenders to understand why they committed the offence and to change their sexually abusive behaviour. If an individual does not understand the reasons for their offence it is likely that they will reoffend.

The programme is open to male offenders only and is full time for two weeks followed by two sessions per week for twenty weeks. This is followed by a relapse prevention module once a week for the next six months.

Offender Substance Abuse Programme (OSAP)