Number
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Question
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Ministry's response
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1
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How many people will be on the AOD panel?
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All applicants who meet the criteria and submit an application will be offered a place on the panel. There is no limit on numbers at this time.
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2
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Who will assess and choose the panel?
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Applications will be assessed by approved Ministry employees.
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3
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Will preference be given to report writers who live close to the regional courts that they live close to?
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If an applicant meets the criteria they will be offered a place on the panel. For individual engagements, location may be a factor they prioritise.
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5
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Who has this new information been sent out to?
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The Ministry has informed key stakeholders about this change including:
- AOD professionals who currently write court-ordered reports
- judiciary
- Public Defence Service (PDS)
- Addiction Practitioners Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ)
- Nursing Council of New Zealand
- New Zealand Psychologists Board
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)
- Social Workers Registration Board New Zealand
- New Zealand Law Society
- Criminal Bar Association New Zealand
- Law Association
- New Zealand Bar Association
- Te Hunga Rōia Māori O Aotearoa The Māori Law Society
- Defence Lawyers Association New Zealand
- Pacific Lawyers Association
- South Auckland Bar Association.
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6
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Are the decision makers who came up with this new assessment format open to feedback, or is it a fait accompli?
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Feedback is welcome as we will periodically review the service.
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7
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Could you confirm whether the process is the same when applying with multiple clinicians within one company?
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Yes, it is the same process for individuals, subcontractors and companies. A separate application will need to be submitted for each individual in the company.
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8
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Who wrote the guidelines with regards to the fees schedule?
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The service was established by the Ministry of Justice, in consultation with sector representatives.
Response updated 6 July 2026
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9
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The payment for a report is similar to what I currently receive but the non-attendance arrangement/fee is not. As I read it, The Ministry of Justice want us to dedicated resources and time though do not wish to pay a reasonable amount for this time should an offender decide not to keep an appointment. To me this suggests that the Ministry of Justice does not understand that many AOD writers will be in private practice and that this arrangement puts all the ownness on us and not the offender. Are you able to review that clause and change it to what we have in place in the Nelson region? It does not seem reasonable that AOD report writers need to commit time to activities that they will not get compensated for.
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The non-attendance fee will not be reviewed at this time. This approach has been taken to ensure national consistency.
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10
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If I do not register as an AOD report writer, will this affect referrals for this work from the Public Defence Service (PDS)?
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PDS lawyers have the option choose to use the service or to continue to use report writers who are not in the service.
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11
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In June, how will the transition to the new system work?
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Guidance will be provided closer to the time on how the transition from the existing process to the new process will work. This will include advice on what to do if you are part‑way through writing a report during the transition period, or if a report was commissioned the day before the change. In the meantime, please continue following your current processes.
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12
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Will the Ministry of Justice stop approving funding requests for all AOD reports filed under the current system after a certain date?
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From a date to be confirmed, all court‑ordered AOD reports will be required to be completed by an Approved AOD report writer. Legal aid and PDS lawyers will have the option to use the service, though this will not be mandatory.
Response updated 6 July 2026
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13
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Will there still be any scope for us to remain operational independent of this new system while you roll it out to full capacity?
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Yes.
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14
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I'm checking if there is a list for the AOD writer on the panel that we could have.
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The panel of approved AOD report writers is not available yet. The panel will be published when the service goes live. A date has not been confirmed yet.
Response updated 6 July 2026
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15
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Can I just do assessments between Otaki and Johnsonville?
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Yes. You can indicate your preferred location(s) in the application form. If you are appointed to the panel, you can choose to accept or decline an individual engagement based on the location.
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16
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Is it possible to have two assessments per week?
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The Ministry is unable to guarantee the volume of work you will receive as an approved report writer on the panel. Clause 8 of the Standard Terms and Conditions provides further detail on this. There is also no obligation to accept engagements, you may decline any engagement, for example if you are unavailable or too busy.
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17
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I have been preparing comprehensive AOD reports for approximately two years. As you will be aware, these reports require significant clinical assessment, collateral gathering, risk formulation, cultural consideration, and detailed written analysis. The workload involved is substantial and extends well beyond a brief summary document.
In my experience, comprehensive AOD reports have been remunerated at a significantly higher rate, reflecting the time, expertise, and professional accountability required.
Is the $900 fee intended to apply to full comprehensive AOD assessments, or to a more limited report format?
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The $900 fixed rate relates to preparation of a report provided in the approved report template.
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18
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Does this framework replace the use of private report writers engaged directly by lawyers?
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No. Lawyers may choose to engage an approved report writer on the panel or a report writer who is not on the panel.
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19
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If so, what consultation occurred with experienced report writers prior to determining this fee?
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The Ministry consulted with sector representatives on the rate.
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20
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Do we need to inform or obtain approval from our current employer before applying?
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The Ministry cannot provide employment-related advice on this matter.
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21
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I’m considering applying and was wondering if you’re able to give any indication of the expected volume of assessments for report writers. I realise this will likely fluctuate, so even a general idea would be really helpful.
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The Ministry is unable to guarantee the volume of work you will receive as an approved report writer on the panel. Clause 8 of the Standard Terms and Conditions provides further detail on this. There is also no obligation to accept engagements, you may decline any engagement, for example if you are unavailable or too busy.
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22
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Can I send in an application prior to getting my certificate or do I apply with all relevant documentation?
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We recommend that you wait until you have received your new certificate to submit your application, ensuring all relevant documents can be assessed together. The panel is open so you can apply at any time.
Response updated 6 July 2026
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23
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Can I fill in the application form now and send in to start the process of applying as an AOD court writer. Or do I wait and send all the relevant documents together with the application.
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We recommend that you wait until you have received your new certificate to submit your application, ensuring all relevant documents can be assessed together. The panel is open so you can apply at any time.
Response updated 6 July 2026
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24
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1. Could you clarify the scope and limitations of this peer review? For example, who is a peer? (e.g equal qualifications and experience)
2. Is the draft fully anonymised/redacted for confidentiality purposes?
3. Is the peer review process required for every piece of work completed?
4. Do we seek our own peers and make payment to them as an expense?
5. Do they then need confidentiality agreements?
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1. The approved report writer is responsible for engaging an appropriately qualified peer reviewer. While the peer reviewer is not required to be an approved AOD report writer, they must have at least two years' experience in the AOD sector, hold a current applied or non-applied addiction qualification recognised by DAPAANZ (Addiction Practitioners Association Aotearoa New Zealand) and be registered with one of the following:
- Addiction Practitioners Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ)
- New Zealand Psychologists Board
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and the New Zealand Medical Council
- Social Workers Registration Board New Zealand
- Nursing Council.
2. Please see clause 15.9 of the terms and conditions, which state that the peer reviewer must agree to be bound by and comply with, obligations consistent with those in clauses 15 (Information management and data security), 16 (Conflict of
interest) and 17 (Confidentiality) of the AOD report writer service terms and conditions.
3. Yes.
4. Yes, the approved report writer can seek their own peer reviewers. The cost of peer review, if any, cannot be invoiced to the Ministry of Justice as an additional expense.
5. An approved report writer must ensure that the peer reviewer has agreed to be bound by and comply with, obligations consistent with those in clauses 15 (Information management and data security), 16 (Conflict of
interest) and 17 (Confidentiality) of the AOD report writer service terms and conditions.
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25
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I am currently on track to receive my Provisional Registration with DAPAANZ in November 2026. I have several years of experience in the AOD and Mental Health sector and am interested in providing report services once my registration is active.
Does the Ministry accept applications from practitioners holding Provisional Registration, or is Full Registration a prerequisite for the panel?
If Provisional Registration is accepted, are there specific supervision or co-signing requirements for the reports (fixed at the $900 + GST rate)?
Given the April 7th RFA deadline, should I apply now in anticipation of my November registration, or wait until the registration is issued?
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To be eligible, you must be fully registered with DAPAANZ. The panel is open so you can apply at any time.
Response updated 6 July 2026
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31
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I wanted to confirm before putting my application forward that those currently registered with DAPAANZ as a provisional practitioner would be considered as meeting the registration requirement.
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To be eligible, you must be fully registered with DAPAANZ. The panel is open so you can apply at any time.
Response updated 6 July 2026
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32
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I’m currently writing AOD assessments for another agency for just over a year and they seem to be received well. My first question is whether I would qualify at this stage. I understand the role asks for two years of AOD experience, though the work I currently do is directly related to what’s required in terms of client interviews and assessment writing.
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The minimum requirement is at least two years' experience in the AOD sector. We are unable to advise on individual eligibility at this stage. Applications will be assessed through the formal evaluation process. The panel will remain open indefinitely, if you don't meet this requirement there will be an opportunity in the future to apply.
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33
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Secondly, how much work do you expect to be available? Would this typically be more of a side role, or could I make it full time work something like 3 assessments or maybe 4 per week?
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The Ministry is unable to guarantee the volume of work you will receive as an approved report writer on the panel. Clause 8 of the Standard Terms and Conditions provides further detail on this. There is also no obligation to accept engagements, you may decline any engagement, for example if you are unavailable or too busy.
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35
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Thank you for your reply. I have a few questions to help me finalise my decision before submitting an application:
AVL Availability: Is there an option to conduct assessments exclusively via AVL?
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Yes, you may choose to conduct assessments exclusively via audio-visual link (AVL) and/or virtual assessments.
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36
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Assessment Location: For face-to-face assessments, is it possible to arrange for these to take place at Community Corrections or within a court interview room?
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Yes, this is to be mutually agreed between the approved AOD report writer and the participant, and any other agency/organisation involved. This needs to be organised by the approved AOD report writer.
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37
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Caseload Expectations: What is the expected weekly allocation for reports?
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The Ministry is unable to guarantee the volume of work you will receive as an approved report writer on the panel. Clause 8 of the Standard Terms and Conditions provides further detail on this. There is also no obligation to accept engagements, you may decline any engagement, for example if you are unavailable or too busy.
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39
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In preparation for my application for a position as an AOD report writer,
I am seeking information on how to apply to, and attend one of the Family Violence, Sexual Violence Response Training offered by the Ministry of Justice to all people who work in the courts.
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To book your training please contact FVSVTraining@2shine.org.nz
The training consists of two pre-learning modules and one full day of face-to-face training. The Ministry will cover the cost of the training but will not reimburse you for the time you take to complete the training.
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40
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How many [applicants] does the Ministry intend to approve under the new scheme?
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There is no upper limit to the number of appropriately qualified AOD report writers who can be on the panel. The panel will remain open to new applications to join the service.
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41
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Are report writers, as expert witnesses, expected to undergo cross examination in hearings?
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This would be highly unusual at the sentencing stage for an AOD professional and we don't anticipate this happening. If, however, this does occur, then a separate process would apply under the Ministry's expert witness policy Pricing policy for expert witnesses
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42
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Are participants able to be interviewed remotely/face to face on weekends, or after hours, at a Corrections facility/ Probation office if appropriate?
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Yes, this is to be mutually agreed between the approved report writer and the participant, and any other agency/organisation involved. This needs to be organised by the report writer.
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43
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1. Will you require diagnosis of SUDS according to the DSM-5 criteria? And if so, how comprehensive do you require this to be (such as diagnostics of the last 12 months substance use)?
2. Will you require other sources to be used to inform (apart from the tangata whaiora themselves) such as medical records for example?
3. Will you require treatment options to be researched such as services in the region of the tangata whaiora and what their availability is?
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1. This is not an requirement. Approved AOD report writers may exercise their clinical discretion within their scope of practice.
2. Approved AOD report writers will continue to exercise their professional discretion in determining what information is appropriate to include in the report, based on their expertise.
3. We expect approved AOD report writers to be aware of what services are available in their region. It is not a requirement to make treatment recommendations or referrals for every report, or to establish what beds or facilities are available. Approved AOD report writers will continue to exercise their professional discretion in determining what information is appropriate to include in an AOD report, based on their expertise.
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45
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I am emailing in respect of the new AOD report template. Will the template be circulated to stakeholders for consultation? When will the template be available to stakeholders?
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An updated report template and guidance will be published on the website when the service goes live. The date is yet to be confirmed.
Response updated 6 July 2026.
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46
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1. Is it expected that the Approved Report Writer also make referral to AOD residential (or other AOD treatment services) as part of this process? Especially when considering that the treatment plan section of the Assessment stipulates “the treatment options which are available, for example, the name/ location of treatment facility and availability of spaces. confirmation that the treatment options have been discussed with the participant and their feedback (if any).” And taking this into consideration often you need to make a referral to see if a client will be accepted (and thus confirm in the report that treatment option is available to them) especially considering how the residential programmes need a full comprehensive assessment including all offending history etc in order for them to decide.
2. If referrals to residential services are made is it possible to claim additional hours/fee? especially given that a full comprehensive assessment is needed for this, and that many more hours of admin and case management are often needed to facilitate this
3. Can an organisation or charity register under the AOD report writers service (and then also register its AOD clinicians so that they are approved) but invoice as an organisation (and pay its clinician an agreed portion of the $900, aka subcontracting in that respect)?
4) Is the report writers service designed to also cater to those clients seeking EM bail to residential AOD treatment (prior to sentencing), or is the focus more on providing information and treatment options for final sentencing?
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1. It is not expected that report writers make referrals as part of reports requested through the panel and paid for by courts, legal aid or the Public Defence Service.
2. The approved report writer is not required to make the referral, so no additional costs can be claimed for this.
3. Each report writer must submit their own application to join the service. If you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, please complete a separate application (RFA) form for each proposed report writer. Submitting invoices in the organisation's name is acceptable.
4. The Approved AOD Report Writers Service is used at the offender's sentencing stage for AOD reports ordered and requested under section 25 of the Sentencing Act 2002.
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47
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I have a couple of questions please in relation to the new AOD report writers service:
1. Is it expected that the Approved Report Writer also make referral to AOD residential (or other AOD treatment services) as part of this process? Especially when considering that the treatment plan section of the Assessment stipulates “the treatment options which are available, for example, the name/ location of treatment facility and availability of spaces. confirmation that the treatment options have been discussed with the participant and their feedback (if any).” And taking this into consideration often you need to make a referral to residential to actually see if a client will be accepted (and thus confirm in the report that treatment option is available to them), as given the offending history etc of many clients it is very much case by case basis for acceptance by residential programmes and so you often have to make the referral (complete with criminal history and mental health history etc) to be able to confirm that can be the treatment plan for that client.
2. If referrals to residential services are made is it possible to claim additional hours/fee? especially given that a full comprehensive assessment is needed for this, and that many more hours of admin and case management are often needed to facilitate this?
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1. It is not expected that report writers make referrals as part of reports requested through the panel and paid for by courts, legal aid or the Public Defence Service.
2. The approved report writer is not required to make the referral, so no additional costs can be claimed for this.
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48
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The templates I use are significantly more comprehensive than the one referenced. I utilise both the national Te Ariari o te Oranga AOD assessment framework and the current court report template. These approaches capture not only the clinical aspects of substance use but also provide a holistic overview of the client’s background, functioning, and context. As you will appreciate, this requires a substantial amount of time to complete thoroughly and responsibly.
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There are different arrangements throughout the country for supporting court participants where AOD is a factor in their offending. The changes we are making relate to AOD sentencing reports requested through the panel and paid for by courts, legal aid, or PDS. More in depth assessment and treatment may be provided as part of the sentence, or may be part of a local arrangement that is not funded by the court or legal aid lawyers or PDS.
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49
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Kia ora,
1. Will report writers be now sending invoices to the court and not to crown accounts following June 1st?
2. Charging for travel will need prior approval from the court? Will this become a registrars job?
3. 15.6 of standard terms and conditions states, "any access use or disclosure of court information is lawful. Should this read unlawful
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- The service is not live yet. In the meantime, please continue following the current process. Once the service is operational, invoices should continue to be sent to Crown accounts, with the relevant court registry copied in.
- Approval for travel is at the discretion of the court registry.
- This clause is intended to ensure that report writers only access, disclose or share information where doing so is lawful.
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50
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Does the fixed fee of $900 apply to AOD reports requested by the Family Court?
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No. The service and fixed rate apply only to AOD reports that are ordered or requested in the District Court within the criminal jurisdiction.
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51
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I am keen to apply for the above report writing service.
I have 10 years of experience working in addiction services. I am a registered nurse with a current APC however I am currently employed as a crisis nurse at the mental health department in Tauranga and so not currently working inside an AOD team.
I am also not registered with dapaanz so I was wondering if I would be eligible to apply for the AOD report writers service?
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If you have relevant experience and hold qualifications recognised by DAPAANZ, we recommend you apply. All applications will be assessed as part of the panel selection process. A list of DAPAANZ-recognised qualifications are available here: https://dapaanz.org.nz/membership/registration-criteria-qualifications/(external link)
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52
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I have been receiving enquiries from referrers regarding this. Does this deferral mean that referrers should continue using the existing process of requesting an amendment of grant until the Ministry of Justice advises of the new go-live date?
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Yes, please continue following the current process until further notice.
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53
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Thank you for your email update regarding waiting on a "go-live date".
I wanted to declare that I am not in New Zealand at present and only plan to return at the end of the year in December. Am I able to stay in the system but not go live till I am back in person as I understand AOD reports cannot be done from overseas?
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If the assessment is being conducted remotely, you may complete it while overseas, provided this is suitable for all parties involved. You are not required to accept every request and may decline requests if you are unavailable. If preferred, you can also be temporarily removed from the panel.
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