COVID-19: Important information for visitors to our prisons
Domestic visitors
From 14 December 2020, DCS recommenced face to face domestic visits at all prisons.
All visitors and prisoners are required to comply with social distancing guidelines.
We will continue to provide virtual (video) visits as part of the new visits schedule. Visitors are encouraged to continue to access video visits as their first choice to help minimise risk to everybody.
The department is continuously monitoring the situation and will continue to follow the advice of SA Health as the lead agency. Visit information may change at any time if an increased risk of COVID-19 is identified.
Who does this apply to?
This applies to all domestic visitors:
- Family and friends.
What safety measures apply to visits?
Visits will recommence at stage 2 with the following arrangements:
- A limit of one adult visitor (plus children) per prisoner
- Prisoner and visitor must sit at least 1.5 metres apart
- Maximum of 60 minutes.
If there is enough space in the visits area, one additional adult visitor per prisoner may be approved on request.
Each prison will consider requests for one additional adult visitor on a case by case basis at the time of booking. This is to ensure we comply with social distancing guidelines and unfortunately may mean we are unable to accommodate every request.
How do I make a face to face domestic visit booking?
Visits can be booked during normal visit booking times by contacting the prison directly by telephone.
Please visit the prison locations page and select the prison where you would like to book the visit.
How do I make a video visit booking?
Video visits can be booked during normal visit booking times by contacting the prison directly by telephone.
Please visit the prison locations page and select the prison where you would like to book the visit.
See COVID-19: Video visits for domestic visitors for further information on video visits.
Why can’t I make a booking for this week?
Complying with social distancing guidelines means visits areas will not have the same capacity and we may not be able to accommodate every request for a face to face visit in the short term.
There will be equal opportunities for all prisoners to have a visit either face to face or virtual. Site based wait lists will be established if required to ensure available visit bookings are fairly shared amongst prisoners.
Will social distancing rules apply to domestic visits?
Yes, in line with SA Health advice social distancing will be enforced.
This will mean limited physical contact and the prisoner and visitor must sit at least 1.5 metres apart. This condition is for your safety and the health and wellbeing of everyone.
As visitor numbers are limited by the size of the visit area, requests for one additional adult visitor will be taken on a case by case basis only.
A strict regime of cleaning will be maintained in all prisons with a focus on high-traffic areas including points of entry and visitor rooms.
Why are there limits to the number of people who can attend a visit?
To comply with social distancing guidelines the number of visitors per prisoner is limited.
Why am I being asked about my health and recent travel?
To minimise the risk of COVID-19 entering our prisons, we will be screening visitors before they are allowed entry to the visits room.
This means you may be asked about your health and any travel that you have done recently. You may have your temperature tested with a thermal detection camera and be refused entry if it is above normal levels.
You will also be required to sanitise your hands before entering the visits area.
These measures are to identify any potential risks and to keep everyone safe.
Can children attend a visit?
Yes, children of all ages can attend visiting sessions.
Those sites where playground facilities are available for children are still accessible during visits.
DCS recognises that family visits play an important part in prisoner rehabilitation. Please be assured we will try and manage child interactions in the most compassionate way, parents and/or guardians of children should consider that it may be a challenging and confusing environment for children if asked to comply with social distancing rules.
We are encouraging parents and/or guardians with children to consider whether video visits may continue to be the best option for children during this time.
Can I wear a mask to a visit?
No, masks are not permitted to be worn by visitors for security and screening purposes.
The current health advice is that masks are not recommended for prison domestic visits given the number of visits occurring, screening questions, thermal temperature testing and social distancing requirements in place.
If you feel it is necessary to wear a mask you will be asked to reconsider your desire to visit and opt for a video visit instead. The visit will not proceed if either the visitor or prisoner is presenting as unwell or is showing any cold or flu symptoms.
Can I bring food to a visit?
No, food is currently not permitted to be brought into any of our prisons – this includes the Adelaide Pre-release Centre and Cadell Training Centre.
What are other ways I can contact a prisoner?
Prisoners have access to telephone facilities and are encouraged to stay in contact with family and friends.
You can also contact a prisoner by writing to them:
- Prisoner name, ID number, and location if known
Department for Correctional Services
GPO Box 1747, Adelaide SA 5001
More information
See COVID-19: Family and Friends FAQs for answers to some of your DCS and COVID-19 questions.
For general information on COVID-19, see the SA Health website or phone the SA Health COVID Information Line on 1800 253 787.
Professional visitors
You are not allowed to visit any of our prisons if:
- You are feeling unwell
- You been overseas or crossed a border within Australia in the last 14 days, or been in contact with someone who has
- You have any COVID-19 like symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue
- You been advised to self-isolate or be tested for COVID-19
- You been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting test results
- You been in contact with a person suspected or confirmed of having COVID 19.
Who does this apply to?
This applies to all professional visitors:
- Legal professionals
- Service providers
- Contractors.
Visitor conditions
Bookings for professional visits have been reduced by 50% with the following conditions:
- 1 Adult visitor per prisoner
- Prisoner and visitor must sit at least 1.5 metres apart
- No personal contact (handshakes etc)
- No sharing of equipment (pens and paper etc).
Why am I being asked about my health and recent travel?
To minimise the risk of COVID-19 entering our prisons, we will be screening all persons entering the site.
This means you may be asked about your health and any travel that you have done recently. You may have your temperature tested with a thermal detection camera and be refused entry if it is above normal levels.
You will also be required to sanitise your hands before entering.
These measures are to identify any potential risks and to keep everyone safe.
Can I wear a mask to a visit?
No, masks are not permitted to be worn by visitors for security and screening purposes.
The current health advice is that masks are not recommended given the number of visits occurring, screening questions, thermal temperature testing and social distancing requirements in place.
If you feel it is necessary to wear a mask you will be asked to reconsider your visit. The visit will not proceed if either the visitor or prisoner is presenting as unwell or is showing any cold or flu symptoms.
How else can I make contact?
You can also make contact with a prisoner by:
- Phone links – please enquire with bookings staff
- Writing to the prisoner c/o:
- Prisoner name, ID number, and location if known
Department for Correctional Services
GPO Box 1747, Adelaide SA 5001
- Prisoner name, ID number, and location if known
DCS is looking into alternative visit options including the use of Zoom for professional visits.
When can I resume visits?
You can resume visiting after 14 days if:
- You are well
- You have not had contact with a person infected with COVID-19 within the last two weeks.
Why is this happening?
DCS has taken these steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering our prisons.
Prisoners have also been advised to take extra care with their personal hygiene and seek help if they feel unwell.
More information
For more information on COVID-19, see the SA Health website or phone the SA Health COVID Information Line on 1800 253 787.