I think that people with lived experience have absorbed a lot of what society has said – or not said – about us. We need to be supported by organisations to work together to reduce our collective self-esteem issues.

A man comforts a woman

What is the aim of the Forensic Carer Network?

We believe that bringing this group of people with lived experience together will help build collective self-esteem.

The aim of the meeting is to provide support to carers and family members and to guide our advocacy. Anyone who has a person in the forensic and justice system can come to our online meeting.

This specialised network of carers helps MHCN in its advocacy because by listening to carers, MHCN can better represent and involve carers in our systemic advocacy. Since our first meeting in June 2021, we have provided key feedback on the views of carers on several different policy and legislative issues, including our submission to the Law Reform Commission Open Justice Review. We have also consulted with carers on the Draft NSW Framework for Forensic Patients with a Cognitive Impairment and provided feedback by carers on the need for greater support and reliable information.

A person on a mobile phone trying to find more information

More information

If you are interested in coming to a meeting, email Prasheela Karan, Senior Policy Officer and Team Coordinator – mhcnadmin@mentalhealthcarersnsw.org

For more information on caring for someone with mental health challenges in a correctional facility or forensic hospital, checkout our webpage resource.

View the resource

If you are worried about someone’s mental health in custody, call the Justice Health NSW Mental Health Helpline on 1800 222 472.

If you would like information on the Official Visitor with the Inspector of Custodial Services, NSW Communities and Justice, and how they can assist someone in custody, you can visit the Inspector of Custodial Services website.

Inspector of Custodial Services Website

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