Child Protection Coordination and Support Unit (CPCSU)

The CPCSU ensures Corrective Services NSW meets its legislative responsibilities under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 as well as those contained in the NSW Government's Interagency Guidelines for Child Protection Intervention. These primarily relate to ensuring children and young people in Corrective Services' NSW care are safe from harm and that when a child is identified as being at risk of harm it is reported to the Department of Community Services.

The CPCSU also develops policies relating to the safety and well-being of children under 18 years of age who visit correctional centres and manages the CSNSW Child Contact Assessment Program (CCAP). The CCAP requires inmates who have or have had a child-victim (or those bail-refused with an alleged child-victim) to formally apply to receive visits from children. CCAP applies to sexual, violent and other offences against or directly involving children (such as pornography). An assessment is conducted and decisions are made by a central panel chaired by the CPCSU's Project Director. The CPCSU has a seconded officer from the Department of Community Services to assist in developing interagency partnerships and ensure the best interests and safety of children are paramount.