A forensic patient is a person who is detained after they committed a crime, and the court determined they had a mental health impairment or a cognitive impairment at the time of the crime. The court decided that they were not criminally responsible (Act Proven but Not Criminally Responsible (APNCR) or ordered to be detained (rather than released on bail)).

A corrections patient is different to a forensic patient. A corrections patient is a person who has been transferred from prison or a detention centre to a mental health facility because they need mental health treatment. A corrections patient is someone who is serving a prison sentence, is on remand or subject to a ‘high risk offender’ of detention order. A correctional patient is not a forensic patient.

You can call the Corrective Services NSW Inmate Location Line at (02) 8346 1000, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM and/or email CScorporatesupport@dcj.nsw.gov.au.

You will need to provide the person’s Master Index Number. To find out the MIN, provide their name and date of birth to Corrective Services, and confirm your identity. A MIN is a unique number assigned to an inmate when they enter a correctional facility in New South Wales. It is used for identification purposes and linked to their personal information.

If an inmate uses an alias, they may end up with more than one MIN number – however this is usually corrected later on during the detention. Click here for more information.

Contact private correctional facilities directly:

• Parklea Correctional Centre (run by MTC/Broadspectrum) – contact (02) 9678 4888 or OfficialEnquiries.Parklea@mtcbroadspectrum.com
• Clarence Correctional Centre (run by SERCO) – contact (02) 6643 6500 or ClarenceEnquiries@serco-ap.com

There are lots of different things you can do, for example:

1. Send letters and parcels: Include the Master Index Number (MIN) on the front of the envelope. They may be opened and scanned for security reasons. You can find the postal address for each correctional centre on the list of Correctional Centres in NSW.
2. Call the inmate enquiry/location line: (02) 8346 1000 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm (excluding public holidays). Provide the name of the person you are visiting, date of birth or MIN and confirm your identity.
3. Email the Inmate location line: CScorporatessuport@dcj.nsw.gov.au Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm (excluding public holidays). Provide the inmate’s name, date of birth or MIN, confirm your identity and provide the reason for your inquiry.
4. Book a video visit: Use the JUST connect web-based system to book visits. You will need a Visitor Identification Number (VIN) to access your JUST connect account.
5. Plan phone call times: Inmates receive a phone card with 6 numbers they can program for family and friends. They must have money in their account to make phone calls. The calls generally last 6 minutes. Inmates may have to queue to use a phone, so they may not be able to call when you expect them to. There are specific times and days when your loved one can call.
6. iPads: Some correctional facilities offer inmates an iPad so that they can access information as well as call their loved ones from their cell (as long as there is money on their account).

By phone:

1. Call the correctional centre’s phone number
2. Book a visit day and time – Click on the correctional centre’s details for days and times you are able to book.

To be able to get the type, day and time of your visit, log in sooner rather than later when bookings open.

What to bring:

• A form of ID, such as a birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license.
• A public utility bill, such as a water, gas, or electricity bill
• Proof of registration for a vehicle or boat
• Proof of citizenship, such as an Australian citizenship or entitlement card
• A signed credit or debit card
• See this link for details about ID and what to bring: https://correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au/contact-and-visit-inmates/visit-an-inmate/what-you-will-need.html
• Bring coins in case there is a vending machine at the facility

What to expect

• You may need to wait for the visit to be facilitated; it is a good idea to leave early in case you are required to wait.
• You’ll receive a Visitor Identification Number (VIN) for your first visit.
• You’ll need to follow the dress code.
• Ask the particular correctional facility for anything you need to do/can expect for a visit.
• Inmates may be moved to another location at a short notice, and so it’s a good idea to call Sentence Administration before you leave on (02) 8346 1000 between 8.30am – 4.30pm, weekdays (excluding public holidays).

• A MIN is a unique number assigned to an inmate when they enter a correctional facility in New South Wales. It is used for identification purposes and linked to their personal information.
• If you provide your loved one’s full name and date of birth and confirm your identity you will be provided with their MIN.
• This MIN will be needed for any correspondence and to visit.
• If an inmate uses an alias, they may end up with more than one MIN number – however this is usually corrected later on during the detention.

A Visitor Identification Number (VIN) is a unique number that allows visitors to contact inmates in New South Wales correctional centres. Visitors need a VIN to visit in person, by phone, or via video.

How to get a VIN:

• You can request a VIN by completing an application form and sending it to the correctional center.
• You must provide your ID to get a VIN, and you must show your ID on all visits.

There are strict rules when visiting an inmate in prison, including:

• Clothing: Wear appropriate clothing (avoid clothing with metal as you will need to go through a metal detector), and remove jewellery, scarves, and hats.
• Identification: Bring original identification, or use digital ID.
• Biometrics: are ways of identifying people by directly measuring part of their bodies, like their faces or eyes. You may need to enrol in a biometric identification system.
• Visitor Identification Number (VIN): You must have a VIN to visit an inmate, even if you are under 18.
• Security classification: The security classification of the prison affects the rules for visits.
• Behaviour: You must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol; disruptive behaviour will not be allowed.
• Items: You cannot bring cameras, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, syringes, or weapons and other things. If you need to keep prescription medication with you, keep it in the original packet with your name on it, and if possible, bring your prescription (make sure to check with the correctional centre on the requirements about your own medications). Some things like mobile phones and jewellery will need to be kept in a locker in the visiting reception area.
• Smoking and smoking related items are banned.
• You will need to have a full body x-ray scan screening, and you’ll be asked to remove your shoes, jackets and any bulky outerwear as part of this. If you have a medical device like a pacemaker this can affect its operation so you would need to discuss with the prison officers if they can do a hand search instead.
• Criminal Record Inquiry (CRI): You may need to have a CRI check if you are visiting an inmate with a very high-risk security rating.
• See the Corrective Services webpage for detailed information: What to expect.

You can take small items to show or give to your person:

• You can take photographs and children’s artwork to show, for example.
• Depending on the correctional centre, you might be able to leave behind small things like socks and underwear which staff will hand over after your visit – it’s best to check with the centre before bringing things.
• For information on how to send money to the person you are visiting, click here:

Yes, you can take children to a visit in a correctional facility:

• Each facility may have its own policies, so it’s important to call the correctional facility beforehand to check if they have any guidelines about children visiting.
• You’ll need to bring identification also for the children like birth certificate or passport.
• Children must have an adult with them.
• Children should be supervised by the adult throughout the visit.
• Children should behave themselves and not disturb others or the visit can get cut short.
• Children should not bring toys or playthings from home.
• An assessment of the person you are visiting might need to be undertaken before children under the age of 18 can visit, depending on their offence history.

Childcare

• SHINE for Kids provides childcare during visits at some correctional centres.
• Parents in custody can contact their local SHINE for Kids staff member to arrange a visit.
• For more information contact the CSNSW Child Protection Co-ordination and Support Unit: email: child.protection@justice.nsw.gov.au for more information

To visit a patient in Long Bay Hospital, make a booking by calling (02) 9289 2010 between 8:30am and 12:00pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Ask for anything you need to do/can expect for a visit.

An online visit can also be made via JUST Connect online. Use the JUST connect web-based system to book visits. You will need a Visitor Identification Number (VIN) to access your JUST connect account.

Click here for more information.

See above ‘What is a Visitor Identification Number (VIN) and how do I get one’ under the section, Locating and visiting a person in custody or the Forensic Hospital.

For visits to the Forensic Hospital, ring the unit where your person is located and request to book a visit. Ask for anything you need to do/can expect for a visit. If you are travelling a long way, you can request if you can book a double visit:

• Austinmer Adolescent and Women’s Units 9700 3380/1
• Bronte (male admission) (02) 9700 3374
• Clovelly (male) (02) 9700 3385
• Dee Why (male) (02) 9700 3391
• Elouera (male rehab) (02) 9700 3396

In the event of a family emergency, contact your person’s caseworker/nurses’ station.

If you are worried about someone’s mental health in custody:

• Call the Justice Health NSW Mental Health Helpline on 1800 222 472 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Helpline number will have access to where the patient is located, so you can ask the clinician answering the call to direct you to that Centre.
• You can email or write to the Inspector of Custodial Services, Official Visitor Program to inquire about how an Official Visitor can assist someone in custody.

If the person you are caring for is in a privately owned correctional facility, contact those facilities directly to speak to someone who can connect you with health staff:

• Parklea Correctional Centre – contact (02) 9676 9899
• Clarence Correctional Centre (run by SERCO) – contact (02) 6643 6500

To speak to a Justice Health NSW staff member, contact: (02) 9700 3000. If you know where the person you are caring for is located, your call will then be directed to a member of the team.
You can also call the Justice Health NSW Mental Health Helpline on 1800 222 472 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and they will pass on information to the treating team concerned. Click here for more information.

Under section 71 of the Mental Health Act, a Designated Carer is a person nominated by the person receiving care to have certain rights and responsibilities to support their mental health treatment.

The person you are caring for may nominate up to two Designated Carers who will be their contact and support person. To be made a designated carer, the person you support must formally nominate you as their carer:

• A designated carer can ask the treating team in the prison or forensic mental health facility to inform them about key events in relation to the care and treatment of forensic patients and those receiving mental health care. It is good practice for the treating team to communicate with you, but this may not happen.
• Carers and family members, as well as a Designated Carer (or Principal Care Provider) can let the treating team in the place of detention know about any concerns they have about the person they care for.
• Click here for the Designated Carer nomination form: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/legislation/Documents/nh606713a.pdf

The Principal Care Provider is the person who provides unpaid day to day support and care.

• The authorised medical officer or director of community mental health services may decide who the Principal Care Provider should be using section 71 of the Mental Health Act. This can happen when the person being cared for is unable or unwilling to nominate an appropriate Designated Carer.
• The Principal Care Provider can also be a Designated Carer nominated by the person.
• You can ask one of the treating team to check and make sure your role is recorded in writing in the medical record as Principal Care Provider.
• It is important that your role is formally recognised by the treating team.
• You can discuss your options with them if you have not been nominated as a carer by either the person receiving care or the treating team

Apart from the private correctional centres in New South Wales, healthcare is generally provided by Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network.

They work with health professionals to deliver:

• Emergency medical care
• Ongoing treatment for chronic conditions
• Mental health support, and
• Rehabilitation services
• Drug and alcohol treatment services
• Dental care.

Other Programs funded by Corrective Services:

• Psychology
• Drug and Alcohol counselling

You can deposit money electronically by:

• Using BPAY (internet and phone banking) or by making a deposit using cash or a debit card at any post office.
• You will need a Visitor Identification Number (VIN) to deposit money.
• See above ‘What is a Visitor Identification Number (VIN) and how do I get one’ under the section, Locating and visiting a person in custody or the Forensic Hospital.
• A CSNSW Depositor Reference Report – this report contains a personalised Customer Reference Number (CRN) for BPAY and Australia Post, and the BPAY biller code for CSNSW; this will only be provided to those over the age of 18.
• You can also deposit money in person at the facility’s Prisoner’s Account Department at the prison. However, it is best to check with them the process for doing this before you visit the prison.
• Cash, cheque and money orders are not accepted.
• Click here for more information about depositing money electronically: Bank accounts and deposits

The NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 in New South Wales acknowledges the contribution of carers. It aims to raise awareness on the needs of carers.

Click on link for more information about the Act.

You can contact the CRC Court Support Scheme (CSS) for assistance.

• What they do: They have volunteers to help you understand the court system, provide information on court procedures, offer emotional support, and connect you to legal and other support services.
• Availability: Free service, available at some courts (shared in the link below) between 9am and 11am.
• How to contact:
  • Phone: (02) 9288 8700
  • Email: info@crcnsw.org.au
• Visit these links for further details:
  • How do I navigate the local court system
  • Court Support
  • Guide for families and friends

These organisations can help you with understanding legal procedures and accessing legal representation and assistance.

1. LawAccess NSW – 1300 888 529 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) Run by Legal Aid NSW, it offers free legal information and referrals to legal services. You can also contact LawAccess NSW by:
   • Using the web chat function, Click here
2. Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) NSW/ACT – 1800 765 767 Delivers culturally appropriate legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women, and children in NSW and the ACT.
3. Justice Advocacy Service (JAS) – (02) 9265 6300 or 1300 665 908 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). Support for people with cognitive impairment, when they are in contact with police, courts and legal representatives. JAS operates a court-based diversion service at six local courts.
4. Prisoners Legal Service (PAS) – (02) 9066 6046 (9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). It provides free and confidential advice, minor assistance and representation to people in prisons.

In NSW, a court-linked intervention is a court-ordered program or service to address issues contributing to a person’s involvement with the justice system.

These are the main levels of court:

• Supreme Court: The highest court in each state or territory, hearing serious matters and civil claims.
• District Court: Deals with civil claims and less serious offenses.
• Local Court: Deals with lesser civil claims and offences.
• Specialist Courts: such as Children’s Courts, Youth Justice Courts, and Drug Courts.

Click here for more information.

When people experiencing mental health challenges present to court, they can be:

• Referred to Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network Statewide Community and Court Liaison Service or other diversion programs
• Directed to Community Mental Health Services
• Placed on Bail
• Held in Remand
• Adjourned
• Ordered a Psychiatric Assessment
• Held in custody

You can attend if you are listed as a Designated Carer or a Principal Carer Provider. You can attend via video/phone conference (prison) or in person (Forensic Hospital).

The Mental Health Review Tribunal functions like a court and follows formal procedures. The Tribunal meets at least once every six months to review decisions made by the treating team.

The Mental Health Review Tribunal decides how long a forensic patient will stay in detention.

In forensic mental health, a “limiting term” is the maximum period a person found unfit to stand trial or not criminally responsible due to mental health impairment can be detained.

Click here for information about “limiting term” under the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020

The Tribunal reviews your loved one’s progress and treatment.

It can decide:

• When a forensic patient can have leave from their place of detention.
• When a forensic patient can be released into the community under a Forensic Community Treatment Order (FCTO).
• When a patient is referred to Community Mental Health.
• When a forensic patient can be released without conditions.

The Tribunal will hear evidence from the treating team and decide if the patient is no longer at risk to themselves or others.

You can ask questions and share your views with the Tribunal and the Treating Team.

For more information: Mental Health Review Tribunal.