Because prison can be a difficult and stressful experience for both prisoners and their families, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has introduced family support officers into each of its establishments.
The key role of a Family Support Officer is to enhance family contact by offering support and guidance to relatives who may have concerns about their loved ones in custody. By getting to know the needs and concerns of families, a Family Support Officer can be a valuable point of contact and can advise on many issues. They can also put relatives in contact with outside agencies that can provide additional support, advice and understanding.
A prisoners’ families helpline is provided by Family Links, for more information, follow the link below.
The primary focus of Child Centered Visits (CCV) is:
Child Centered Visits provide an opportunity for fathers and their children to bond in a way that is not often possible during a normal domestic visit. The presence of other adults can distract attention from father and child.
Children in the age range new born to 16 are eligible to participate in the scheme.
Whilst father and child are together mothers will have the opportunity to spend some time away from their children and to share a light lunch with other mothers who are in a similar situation.
CCV’s normally take place on Saturdays. Prisoners on the scheme are allocated one 'special' visit every month. Once selected for the scheme your partner will be required to book a domestic visit on each occasion whenever your CCV is scheduled.
The aim is to create as good a visiting experience as is possible, therefore each session will be restricted to a maximum of eight fathers and their children.
As CCV’s take place during the normal lunch period during which time the child spends time alone with the prisoner. There are no restrictions on very young children participating in this scheme. Whilst we will provide baby food on request, those requiring bottle-feeding should bring sufficient quantities to meet children’s needs over this extended visit period.
The child is encouraged to bring to each CCV session schoolbooks/favourite book/toy/photographs/ birthday cards etc. These should be handed over to prison staff prior to the commencement of your normal visit.
They will be subject to search and drug detection procedures, any attempt to conceal prohibited articles/ substances will result in exclusion from CCV’s.
Further support for children with a parent in prison is provided by Barnardos.
Crime, justice and the law
