Review of COVID-19 response
We are reviewing the response to COVID‑19 in youth and adult custodial centres in NSW since the start of the pandemic.
Custodial environments are vulnerable settings to outbreaks of respiratory disease. Due to environmental conditions (including porosity, shared facilities, and limited capacity for physical distancing) the risk of transmission in a correctional centre or a youth justice centre is high. Additionally, adults in custody are more likely to have existing health needs that place them at a higher risk of developing serious COVID‑19 illness.
Our review will focus on:
- legislation and policy informing the response to COVID‑19 in NSW custodial centres and services
- governance structures within the key agencies
- minimising the risk of COVID‑19 entering a custodial centre
- reducing the risk of transmission to staff, inmates and detainees in custodial centres and services
- managing COVID-19 illness in custody
- continuity of services for young people and adults in custody during the pandemic
- managing safe release from custody.
The Inspector of Custodial Services will consider any other relevant matters in the course of this review.
Response to COVID‑19 in NSW custodial centres and services terms of reference (PDF , 117.0 KB)
We accepted submissions from interested persons and organisations concerning our review of the response to COVID‑19 in youth and adult custodial centres in NSW.
Submissions are treated confidentially and managed under section 25 of the Inspector of Custodial Services Act 2012. The submission period has now closed, however if you would like to contact the Inspector of Custodial Services in relation to the review please email custodialinspector@justice.nsw.gov.au
