Justice Health NSW recently published the inaugural NSW Healthy Prisons Framework for Action.
This Framework advocates for a whole of system approach to establish healthy prisons across NSW.
A ‘healthy prison’ is one which is safe, secure, reforming and health promoting, and grounded in the concept of decency and respect for human rights.
Health promoting prisons are based on the premise that prisons can make a major contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of some of the most disadvantaged and marginalised people in our society.
General Manager Population and Preventative Health, Colette McGrath said this piece of work recognises that risk factors are best tackled through comprehensive, integrated programs.
“We are driven by a clear vision of ensuring that everyone in our community is healthy and well,” Colette said. “This includes those that our society has forgotten.”
“People in custody often have very poor health and we intend to keep advocating for what they need from a health perspective.
“There are various opportunities for future intervention, program development and support. By working with our partners in Corrective Services NSW, Youth Justice NSW and NSW Health, we can build on the existing health promotion work that takes place in NSW prisons and improve health outcomes.”
To read more about the NSW Healthy Prisons Framework for Action, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/health/justicehealth/about-us/nsw-healthy-prisons-framework.
