How often should a FROST be updated?

A FROST, or "Field Review of Offender Supervision Tool," is essential for assessing and managing probationers' risks and needs effectively. Updating the FROST every 12 months or whenever there are significant changes is vital to ensure that the information remains relevant and reflective of the probationer's current situation. This regular review allows probation officers to incorporate new data, evaluate progress, and make necessary adjustments to supervision plans.

In practice, significant changes might involve new offenses, changes in living situations, employment status, or any other factors that could alter the risk level of the individual. By adhering to this timeline for updates, probation officers can maintain a more accurate understanding of a probationer's circumstances, which in turn supports better decision-making and resource allocation.

Other choices suggest updating at unreliable intervals, such as every three months, which may be unnecessary, or only upon request or after an offense, which could lead to outdated assessments in between crucial points in time. Being proactive with updates ensures that supervision strategies are always aligned with the most current and relevant information about the individual being supervised.