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Prisoners

Information about the legal issues of prisoners, visiting a prisoner, and the support services for families of prisoners.

  • This topic covers

    This topic covers

    • Visiting a pri​soner in a correctional facility
    • Support services for families of prisoners
    • ​Legal issues for prisoners, including complaints, fines, victims support and change of name

Time limitAction
One monthTo apply for reinstatement of an Intensive Correction Order (ICO).
28 days (or three months with the permission of the court)To appeal a Local Court  decision.
3 months if no notice of intention to apply is filedTo appeal a District Court decision.
28 days To file a Notice of intention to apply for leave to appeal.

Organisation

OrganisationResponsibilities
NSW Corrective ServicesRuns the state’s correctional centres, supervises offenders in the community, and delivers programs to reduce reoffending, support reintegration and build safer communities.
NSW CourtsMake decisions about criminal charges.
NSW State Parole Authority

Makes decisions about parole, including:

  • setting additional parole conditions for offenders
  • revoking any parole order in NSW
  • reinstating any parole order when appropriate
  • revoking and reinstating Intensive Correction Orders 
  • declining parole for terrorism related offenders unless it is satisfied that the offender will not engage in, incite, or assist others to engage in terrorist acts or violent extremism.

Legislation

AuthorityCovers
Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Act 1999 (NSW)Discipline in correctional centres, parole, classification of inmates and Intensive Correction Orders (ICOs).

Common termDefinition
Common Auto Dial List (CADL)A part of the prison telephone system where a common list of numbers are available for all prisoners to call for free. This includes calls to Legal Aid, Aboriginal Legal Service and Justice Health.
Master Index Number (MIN)A six digit number used to identify each prisoner. This will be the same number any time you are in a prison. 
Visitor Identification Number (VIN)A number required for any visitors to a prison. You will need a VIN whether your visit is in person, by phone or by Audio-Visual Link.

OrganisationFee
Local Court of NSWCourt costs and levies in criminal matters don't apply if you were sentenced to a term of imprisonment

Woman working on computer

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about prisoners.

Go to questions

Our services

Prisoners Legal Service

This service offers legal advice to prisoners on bail applications, appeals, parole, family law and representation at State Parole Authority hearings.

More services

Aboriginal Legal Service

The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across NSW and the ACT.

Corrective Services NSW

Corrective Services NSW runs the state’s correctional centres, supervises offenders in the community, and delivers programs to reduce reoffending, support reintegration and build safer

Solicitor Referral Service

If you need legal help and are looking for a law firm, the Law Society of NSW Solicitor Referral Service (SRS) can provide you with a referral.

Willow

Willow works to empower women in custody by helping them to understand their legal rights. They can give advice about children and victims compensation.

Information available to prisoners

Last updated: November 2023