Media release: Inspector of Custodial Services releases four reports

13 February 2020

The Inspector of Custodial Services has released four reports into 18 adult custodial and 5 residential facilities in NSW handing down 138 recommendations.

Women on Remand

The Women on Remand report involved the inspection of two metropolitan women’s correctional centres and two regional correctional centres which also house male inmates.

The report found the number of women on remand had increased in NSW with 80 per cent of women in custody having spent a period of time on remand. The rising numbers have placed significant pressure on existing infrastructure and services with more remand beds and specialist services required for women in custody, who make up 7.3 per cent of the total prison population in NSW.

The Inspector of Custodial Services made 38 recommendations aimed at recognising and responding to the particular needs of women in custody as well as extra training for staff.

Programs, Employment and Education

The Programs, Employment and Education inspection examined the accessibility and availability of programs, work and educational opportunities for female and male inmates in NSW correctional centres.

It involved the inspection of eight minimum, medium and maximum security correctional centres in regional and metropolitan locations and took place during a period of reform to improve the delivery of rehabilitation services in custodial centres.

This report found high levels of inmate employment but identified a number of barriers to the provision of programs and education. It provides 26 recommendations aimed at increasing resources and participation.

Minimum Security Correctional Centres in Non-Metropolitan NSW

An inspection of five minimum security correctional centres located in regional and remote areas of NSW focused on the provision of rehabilitation and pre-release activities, as well as the care and wellbeing of inmates.

The report found minimum security centres play an important role in preparing prisoners for reintegration into the community and put forward 27 recommendations to support their operation.

Residential Facilities and the Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre

The role of five residential facilities and the Compulsory Drug Treatment Correctional Centre were examined.

The inspection found these facilities perform a vital role in diverting people from custody, providing rehabilitation services or supporting reintegration into the community, but faced challenges due to their small size, geography, and relative isolation from one another.

The 47 recommendations in this report will improve the way these facilities operate and respond to the needs of specific offender groups.

The Inspector of Custodial Services is required to inspect each adult custodial facility in NSW once every five years and report findings to parliament. Corrective Services NSW and Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network were consulted as part of these inspections.

The Inspector of Custodial Services was established in October 2013 to provide independent oversight of the NSW correctional system including Corrective Services NSW and Youth Justice.