Mum Shirl Unit

The Mum Shirl Unit (MSU) sits within the Specific Needs cluster, Corrective Services NSW.  The MSU is a purpose built specialist therapeutic unit providing safe and humane management and treatment of female offenders who cannot be safely managed in other locations within the NSW prison system.

Roles within the MSU

Psychologists in the MSU operate within a multi-disciplinary model.  MSU-specific roles include:

• Senior Psychologist / Psychologist
• Senior Correctional Officer / Correctional Officers
• Functional Manager Therapeutics

The wider multi-disciplinary team supporting the MSU include:

• Services and Programs Officers
• Education Officers
• Case Management Officers
• Community Corrections
• Chaplaincy
• Statewide Disability Services
• Mental Health Screening Unit
• Personality and Behavioural Disorders Service
• Justice Health

Services Provided by MSU Psychology

The MSU psychology team provides the following services to address criminogenic and responsivity factors of high risk female offenders;

• comprehensive assessment,
• tailored intervention (both individual and group treatment),
• expert input into case management and progression planning.

Eligibility Criteria for MSU Admission

The MSU accepts referrals for female offenders who, despite extensive local intervention, have significant difficulties living in the mainstream correctional environment due to;

• Risk of Harm to Self
• Challenging Behaviours
• Vulnerabilities Related to Disability or Mental Illness

Additional Information

The MSU is located at the Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre (SWCC). It is a state-wide service and accepts referrals from all NSW prison locations.

The MSU building has a modern décor. It has dedicated psychology offices and a group intervention area.

Significant scope exists for longer term treatment given offenders will be admitted to the MSU for a period of time during which psychological intervention will be provided and progress monitored.MSU can be contacted via msu@dcj.nsw.gov.au