Corrective Services NSW

Additional support units

Statewide Disability Services (SDS) oversees the running of 3 Additional Support Units (ASUs) within CSNSW that accommodate people under orders who, because of their disability, require placement outside the mainstream correctional centre environment for assessment, general management or to participate in a specific program to address offending behaviour. 

The people under orders placed in additional support units have an intellectual or other cognitive disability.

Contact ASU

Email: SDS@correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au

Phone: 02 9289 2136

ASU locations

MSPC 5 Wing Long Bay

22 bed maximum security ASU

While in the unit, people under orders are provided with intensive case management and may be required to undertake a number of programs to address factors relating to offending, safety in custody and enable access to employment. 

The programs aim to increase problem solving skills and understanding of the criminal justice system. In addition, people under orders are offered a range of programs such as educational courses, EQUIPS programs, and are given the opportunity to participate in CSI employment.

Based on their progress whilst in the Unit, a person under orders may be moved through into one of the other ASUs or to a suitable mainstream correctional centre.

MSPC 6 Wing Long Bay

19 bed maximum security ASU

This unit mainly houses remand inmates with intellectual disability and low cognitive functioning who, due to their disability, cannot participate in the offending specific programs offered in mainstream environments. 

Remandees are usually held in this area until sentenced and may have some case planning while in MSPC 6 Wing.

8 bed maximum security intensive support unit

This unit is primarily for protection inmates on medical hold but has two beds allocated for inmates with cognitive impairment who have behavioural issues that make placement in an ASU difficult.

MSPC 18 Wing Long Bay

16 bed minimum security pre-release unit

This unit is for people under orders with intellectual and other cognitive disabilities who are nearing the end of their custodial sentence.

Programs offered within the unit are designed to address offending behaviour and decrease the likelihood of recidivism such as EQUIPS programs. 

Employment skills, social, and interpersonal skills form a significant part of each individual’s program. 

Staff within MSPC 18 Wing liaise extensively with community based services (including National Disability Insurance Agency and Non-Government Disability Services) to ensure that people under orders have appropriate post release supports arranged prior to their release.

Selection process

People under orders are selected for placement in the ASU on the recommendation of the SDS Placement Committee which meets on a weekly basis. 

The SDS Placement Committee will consider each referral in light of the information available to make a determination as to whether the person under orders is suitable for placement. 

Placements receive final approval by the Manager of SDS. 

Following the meeting, the Committee will ensure feedback is placed in case notes outlining the decision. 

Where a person under orders is approved for placement, SDS will arrange for the person under orders to be transferred at the earliest possible date.

To make a referral to the ASU, submit a completed referral form (DOCX, 306.2 KB).

Selection criteria

Before an offender can be considered for a placement in an ASU, the person under orders must:

  1. have been referred to SDS for assessment or be known to SDS
  2. be assessed as having an IQ below 80 and functional impairment which impacts individual functioning and/or management
  3. be referred for consideration of placement in an ASU by a CSNSW staff member or an external source
  4. be suitable for placement.

Due to the limited number of beds available within ASUs and the nature of cognitive impairment, there are a number of factors taken into account to determine if a person under orders is suitable for placement. These include:

  • participation by the person under orders in the specialist programs offered in the ASU
  • further assessment required of the person under orders pertaining to disability, or specialised case management or pre-release planning
  • previous placement in mainstream correctional centres has been problematic and has resulted in repeated transfers between centres
  • vulnerability within the custodial environment, including a history of assaults or standover, which indicates a current or future risk to safety
  • person under orders is unable to cope in mainstream prison due to their disability, including difficulty with social adjustment and peer relationships.

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