Visiting Someone In Prison

Navigating the system requires a clear understanding of the rules, procedures, and support networks available. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, offering practical advice and reassurance to those preparing for a visit. It's a journey many undertake, and with the right information, it can be a vital way to maintain family ties and support a loved one during their time in custody.

Understanding the Importance of Visits

Maintaining a connection with family and friends is a cornerstone of rehabilitation. Studies have consistently shown that prisoners who receive regular visits are significantly less likely to re-offend upon release. Visits help to preserve a sense of normalcy and provide emotional support, which is crucial for a prisoner's mental well-being. They also help to ground the individual, reminding them of the life and relationships that await them outside of the prison walls. For the family and friends on the outside, a visit can provide peace of mind and an opportunity to share news and experiences, bridging the gap created by incarceration.

Booking Your Visit

The first step in arranging a visit is the booking process. This can vary slightly from one prison to another, but generally, it involves a few key stages. Firstly, the prisoner must add you to their official visitor list. This is a security measure to ensure that only approved individuals can visit. Once you are on this list, you can proceed to book a visit.

In England and Wales, the most common way to book is via the online government service, which is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. The online portal requires the prisoner's name, date of birth, and prison number, as well as the details of all visitors. It allows you to check for available time slots and book a visit well in advance. For those who cannot use the online service, a telephone booking line is usually available. It's important to note that visits often need to be booked several working days in advance, so planning is essential.

The number of visits a prisoner is entitled to depends on their status. Convicted prisoners are typically allowed at least two one-hour visits every four weeks. In contrast, a prisoner on remand—awaiting trial—is generally permitted three one-hour visits per week. In some cases, a prisoner can accumulate their visits, allowing for a longer, more infrequent visit if their family lives a considerable distance away.

Preparing for the Day

Before you leave for your visit, it is crucial to prepare thoroughly. The most important thing to remember is identification. Adults aged 16 and over will need to present photographic ID to be granted entry. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid passport, a photo driving licence, or a Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card. It's a good idea to check the specific requirements of the prison you are visiting on the GOV.UK website, as they can sometimes have additional rules.

There is also a strict dress code that must be adhered to. Clothing that is deemed inappropriate or revealing, such as midriff-baring tops, low-cut shirts, or shorts, is usually prohibited. Sporting team colours or branded clothing may also be banned to prevent gang affiliations or rivalries. All visitors should expect to be searched upon entry. This can include a 'rub down' search, a walk through a metal detector, or a security scan. In some cases, drug detection dogs may be present, and if a dog indicates that a visitor may have been in recent contact with a banned substance, the visitor may be offered a closed visit—where they are separated from the prisoner by a screen—or asked to leave. It's a policy put in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone within the prison.

You will not be allowed to take many personal belongings into the visits hall. This includes mobile phones, keys, wallets, and bags. Lockers are provided in the visitors' centre for you to store your items. It's advisable to carry only what you need, such as your identification and some change for the tea bar.

The Visit Itself: Rules and Experience

Upon arrival at the prison, you will be directed to the visitors' centre. This is often a separate building outside the main prison gates, run by an independent charity. These centres provide a welcoming space for families, particularly for children, with play areas and toilets. Once inside the prison gates, you will go through the security checks before being escorted to the visits hall.

Inside the visits hall, you will be directed to a designated table. The atmosphere is generally controlled but aims to be as relaxed as possible. There will be prison officers present who monitor the visit to ensure all rules are followed. You will be seated with the prisoner, but physical contact is generally limited to a brief embrace at the start and end of the visit. Conversations are expected to be audible but respectful, and officers may be listening.

During the visit, many prisons operate a tea bar where you can purchase hot drinks, cold beverages, and snacks. These can be shared with the person you are visiting, and it's a small but significant way to share a moment of normalcy. It's important to remember that all visits are subject to the prison's rules, and breaking them—even by accident—can result in the visit being terminated.

Financial and Practical Support

The cost of travel to and from a prison can be a significant burden for families, especially for those on low incomes. The Assisted Prison Visits Unit (APVU) in the UK provides financial assistance to eligible individuals. You may be able to claim for travel costs, and in some cases, for meals and overnight accommodation. To qualify, you must be a close relative or partner of the prisoner and be in receipt of certain benefits, such as Income Support, Universal Credit, or Pension Credit. The application process is straightforward and can be a vital lifeline for many families.

Beyond financial aid, there is a wide range of support available. Organisations such as the Prisoners' Families Helpline and the Prison Reform Trust offer free, confidential advice and emotional support. They can help with everything from understanding visiting rules to dealing with the emotional impact of having a loved one in prison. Many prisons also have a Family & Visitors Centre, staffed by dedicated professionals and volunteers from charities like Pact (Prison Advice and Care Trust), who offer practical and emotional support on the day of the visit.

Supporting Children and Young People

A visit can be particularly challenging for children. Seeing a parent or family member in a prison environment can be distressing and confusing. It is vital to prepare children for the experience by talking to them about what to expect in a calm and reassuring manner. The visitors' centres are often designed with children in mind, providing play areas and a more relaxed atmosphere before and after the visit. Some prisons also offer special family days, which provide a less formal environment with activities for children. These events can make a significant difference in helping to maintain the family bond.

Visiting someone in a UK prison is a process that requires patience, preparation, and an understanding of the rules. While it can be a challenging experience, the benefits of maintaining contact are immeasurable for both the prisoner and their loved ones. By utilising the available resources, understanding the booking process, and preparing for the day, you can make the visit a positive and meaningful experience. It's a powerful act of support, a bridge between two worlds, and a crucial step on the journey toward a hopeful future.