Forensic Psychology - Week 8 - Part 1

Flashcards about the types of clients and the roles for psychologists in Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW).

CSNSW

Corrective Services New South Wales, which works with offenders both in custody (jails) and the community (on parole).

Offenders in NSW (2023-24)

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics there were 115,905 offenders proceeded against by police in New South Wales.

Most Common Principal Offences in NSW (2023-24)

Acts intended to cause injury (33%), fare evasion (17%), and illicit drug offences (10%).

Sex of Offenders in NSW (2023-24)

Three-quarters (76%) of offenders in New South Wales were male.

Diversity of Inmates in CSNSW

Includes young people, individuals requiring interpreters, diverse cultures and languages, various religions, transgender individuals, those with reading/writing difficulties, and individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Overrepresentation of Aboriginal Clients

Aboriginal clients are overrepresented within the criminal justice system within NSW.

Reasons for Older Offenders in Custody

Serious offenses committed at a young age, historical convictions sentenced later in life, repeat offenses, or first-time offenses later in life.

Common characteristics of forensic mental health patients

93% are male, 55% have a history of head injury, 79% reported illicit drug use, 65% schizophrenia.

Psychologist Role in CSNSW

Contribute to reducing re-offending, enhancing community safety, and managing offenders in a safe, secure, and humane environment.

Areas Where Psychologists Work in CSNSW

High Intensity Program Units (HIPU), Violent Offenders Therapeutic Programs (VOTP), Sex Offender Therapeutic Programs (SOTP), Intensive Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program (IDATP), Countering Violent Extremism (CVE).

Services provided by Psychologists in CSNSW

Suicide/self-harm prevention, management of situational aggression, mental health impairments, challenging behaviors, criminogenic risk/needs, cognitive impairments, and transition coping.

Growing Areas of Work for Psychologists in CSNSW

Working with culturally and linguistic diverse people, younger people, older people, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and working with trauma.

Psychologist's tasks in CSNSW

Assisting in case plan formulation, providing expert consultation, maintaining documentation, and preparing reports for various authorities.