Family and friend visits

Prisoners are encouraged to maintain strong family links with friends and family while in prison. Visitors are encouraged.

Who can visit

Prisoners need to have a list of approved visitors. This list needs to have the visitor's full name, address, date of birth and their relationship with this person. There is no limit to the number of people prisoners can have on their list.

The visit list is not the same list as your telephone list which does have a 10 number limit.

Further information on visiting can be found in the family and friends section.

Child visits

A child is any person under the age of 18 years old. A visit from a child may need to be approved. Prisoners should ask their case mangers for a form.

Visits to a prisoner who has committed a child sexual offence will need approval from the DCS Chief Executive. Visits can be arranged with a carer or for a family member to bring children and babies.

Sometimes the court will order visits. Prisoners should speak to their case manager or a social worker if they have any concerns.

Who can’t visit

Intervention orders may prevent some visitors.

Visitors cannot have been in prison within the last 12 months.

Known members or associates of criminal organisations will not be allowed access to visit prisoners.

Visitors who have been restricted from visiting a prison before can write to DCS and ask for permission and to review their case.

When prisoners can have visitors

Each prison has its own visiting times.

Visits cannot take place during a lockdown of the prison or unit. If a prisoner wishes to have a friend or family member to visit they must ask them by writing to them or making a phone call.

The prisoner cannot make the booking arrangements. Visitors should not bring banned or prohibited items into the prison.

How to stop a visit

If at any time during a visit the prisoner feels uncomfortable and wants the visit to stop they can be asked to returned to their cell or unit and the visit will stop.

Visiting rules

The prisoner and their visitors must follow all instructions from the prisons correctional officers. The prison will have their visiting rules clearly displayed.

The correctional officers have the authority to stop and cancel visits if threatening, indecent, or abusive behaviour occurs.

Visits may be non contact where the prisoner is allowed to speak to the visitor but not allowed to touch, hug or hold hands at any time.

A contact visit allows the prisoner to hug or kiss upon arrival and departure and sit opposite their visitor during the visit. Correctional officers can request to search the prisoner at any time during the visit.

After a visit

Prisoners may be searched before being returned to their cell or unit. Prisoners worried about their visitor or about any news they have received should let a correctional officer know.

For further information visit the family and friends section.