Centre for Health Research in Criminal Justice
The Centre for Health Research in Criminal Justice (CHRCJ) was formed in 2003 and arose out of the need to establish a centre of excellence to research prisoner health issues and health matters connected with the criminal justice system in general. The CHRCJ is the one of the only research centres in the world specifically devoted to the study of prisoner health issues; its work is recognised at the national and international level.
The CHRCJ collaborates with a number of agencies on research projects - e.g the University of New South Wales, the National Centre for HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research. The Centre has a memorandum of understanding with the University of Sydney.
The CHRCJ has an independent Board of Management; a core staff of ten researchers, and works closely with the Nursing Professorial Unit. The CHRCJ undertakes the secretariat for the Justice Health Human Research and Ethics Committee which is responsible for reviewing the ethical implications of all proposed health research projects in the NSW criminal justice system.
Justice Health has conducted three landmark studies: the Inmate Health Surveys of 1996 and 2001, and the 2003 NSW Young People in Custody Health Survey. The information provided by these surveys has been invaluable to the planning process for future health services for NSW prisoners and juvenile detainees. Additionally, it has also supported numerous funding and advocacy initiatives of the Service.
Contact Details
Centre for Health Research in Criminal Justice (CHRCJ)
Justice Health
PO Box 150
Matraville NSW 2036
P: 8372 3000
F: 9344 4151
E: chrcj@justicehealth.nsw.gov.au