Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Families & Significant Others Strategy
HMP / YOI NottinghamDeborah Searson-SmithNorth Midlands Group
CONTENTS
Section Page
Contents & Vision
1 Introduction 1
2 Maintaining Contact: -
Written Correspondence Email Telephones Visits
Normalisation
2
2
3
3
4
3 Hard To Reach Groups: -
Veterans Care Experienced Self – Isolators
5
6
Annex A Reducing Reoffending Pathways Terms of Reference 7
Annex B Action Plan 8
Annex C Family Policy Checklist 9
Annex D Visitor Survey Results 20
HMP Nottingham - Changing Lives, by Turning Them Around
Providing a Safe, Decent and Secure environment, which contributes to Reducing Reoffending by promoting hope and reform by effectively utilising and developing the skills of our People.
We will provide a rehabilitative regime for a resettlement and reception prison, which will encourage those in our care to ‘Change their Lives, by Turning Them Around’.
Phil Novis
Governor,
HMP Nottingham
0
1. IntroductionThe aim of the Strategy is to inform staff, prisoners and visitors of our Families & Significant
Others (FSO) Strategy, which provides information on how families can stay in contact.
Lord Farmer (2017) in his landmark report (Importance of strengthening prisoners family
ties to prevent reoffending and reduce intergenerational crime’) describes relationships as
the ‘golden thread’ to help reducing reoffending as studies note,
those who maintain regular contact are a staggering 39% less
likely to reoffend than those who do not maintain contact.
The Lord Farmer report, notes that ‘Family should be the ‘golden
thread’ running through the processes of all prisons, as well as in the implementation of
standards of Public protection, Safety and Order, Reform and Preparing for life after prison.
The report referred to a ‘local family offer’ recommending that all establishments deliver
and develop provision in the following areas and that these are reflected in their local
strategies which should be a minimum offer and include:
Visitor Centre/Visitor Reception Services Staffing structure to ensure family work represents as an operational priority Extended Visits – to enable supportive relationships to flourish Family Learning – to equip prisoners to maintain and improve relationships “Gateway” communications system – to demonstrate how the establishment have
responsive communication systems in place for families
This strategy will identify ways in which prisoners can maintain contact with their families.
It will also include reference to ‘Care Experienced’ and Veterans in Custody who may require
more intensive support.
The strategy will be managed via the Head of Reducing Reoffending and will form part of the
Reducing Reoffending Pathways meeting (Annex A).
The strategy will include the a dynamic action plan (Annex B), which will be monitored at
the Pathways meeting and Families Strategy Checklist (Annex C) with which to develop our
offer.
1
For the purpose of this guidance document, Family is defined as
either a blood relative, legal or significant persons that a prisoner
identifies as their next of kin. For care-leavers this may be
someone that provides a statutory service, friend or associate.
Many of those in custody will have experienced a non-traditional upbringing, with a range of
adults having cared for them, and similarly those in custody with children may have other
arrangements outside of a traditional family arrangement. It is important to accommodate
all ‘family’ arrangements where they provide a constructive and supportive relationship for
the prisoner and their family.
2. Maintaining ContactThere are a number of ways prisoners can maintain contact with their families including: -
Written correspondence Email Telephone Social Visits Normalisation
2.1 Written Correspondence
Prisoners are entitled to one letter at the expense of the prison per week. Stamps can be purchased through canteen or sent in by friends and family and there is no limit to the amount of mail that prisoners are permitted to send, provided they are able to fund postage costs. All mail is subject to searching as per the security arrangements contained in the Local Security Strategy (LSS). Those subject to Public Protection may have further restrictions on who they can correspond with but they are advised of this.
2.2 Email
There is a facility for friends and family to send an email to any prisoner in custody. Messages to prisoners can be sent via the www.emailaprisoner.com website, it takes only a few minutes to sign up and, the message is then printed out and delivered to the prisoner. The cost is 40 pence per message. This method
is quicker the sending a letter through the mail.
2.3 Telephones2
Whilst telephones have been in operation in prisons for a number of years, HMP Nottingham is fortunate to have the majority of its cells having In Cell Telephony (ICT). This enables prisoners to contact their families at any time they’re locked in their cells (including night time). Prisoners can purchase phone credit as part of the ‘canteen’ spends, including when under restrictions through IEP or any Discipline awards.
2.4 Visits
All methods of maintaining contact are of value, however we recognise nothing is as important as the face to face interaction of a visit. Our visits areas have recently been refurbished and provides a vibrant opportunity to families and friends to interact.
Our partnership with PACT is strong and they provide an excellent service of support to visitors. Visitors can attend the centre before and after their visits and there are staff available to offer support and advice to families.
The Head of Operations has functional responsibility for visits, with the practical delivery driven by a Custodial Manager. An operations function has recently been created to develop a more consistent approach. We are reviewing our training delivery to see how we can enhance the knowledge of our colleagues.
Feedback from the latest visitor survey (Annex D) indicates on the whole visits is a positive experience but there are weaknesses, which we need to address.
Visits at HMP Nottingham can be booked in the following ways:
Online - Visits can be booked online by visiting www.gov.uk/prison-visits and you can book up to 4 weeks in advance using this booking method
By Email - Email [email protected] You can book up to 2 weeks in advance using this booking method
By Text - You can do this by texting 60777. Begin your text with the word SOCIALYou will need to enter the Prisoners number, name and date of birth. You can book up to 2 weeks in advance using this booking method
By Phone - Visits can be booked by dialling the following number: 0115 962 8980
You can book up to 2 weeks in advance using this booking methodVisits sessions take place as follows
Day AM PM
3
Sunday 09:30 – 11:30 14:00 – 16:00
Monday No visits 14:00 – 16:00
Tuesday 09:00 – 11:00 14:00 – 16:00
Wednesday No visits No visits
Thursday 09:00 – 11:00 14:00 – 16:00
Friday 09:00 – 11:00 No visits
Saturday 09:30 – 11:30 14:00 – 16:00
Family Visits
Family Visits session are run once a month (twice during summer and Christmas school holidays). Prisoners and their families are able to apply for these special sessions, which allow prisoners to spend quality time interacting with their children in a more relaxed and informal environment.
Approval for these sessions is dependent on the prisoner meeting certain criteria, such as custodial behaviour and whether or not they are subject to any public protection measures.
Reducing Reoffending will coordinate and facilitate family events during normal visits including homework club, story time and display achievements of prisoners in our care through the PACT centre and will run regular consultation with families and significant others in partnership with the PACT centre.
2.5 Normalisation
Whilst acknowledging that prison by definition keeps a boundary between prisoners and the community, we are keen to provide as much normality as possible. This includes utilising partnerships to enhance the regime, including visits by public speakers (local and national), in an attempt to ensure prisoners are able to interact and maintain their social skills. Events include employment fairs, where prisoners are able to practice interview techniques and CV writing and our innovative ‘Twinning’ arrangement with Notts County who provide guest speakers including coaches to discuss nutrition amongst other things.
3. Hard to Reach Groups3.1 Veterans
4
According to a previous snapshot analysis conducted by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Justice, there are approximately 2500 ex service personnel currently serving a prison sentence, it is anticipated the same, if not more, will be serving a community sentence however national statistics indicate this is woefully under recorded.
The majority of people leaving the Armed Forces do well, suffering no ill effects, entering full time employment and leading meaningful and fulfilling lives. Some Veterans do not do so well and because of this, we are working hard with our peer mentors including sign posters to identify them early in the custodial setting. In addition to the support from our partners within probation and the CRCs, we will signpost support from; SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity, formerly known as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, is a UK charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents
Care after Combat – Their mission is to support veterans with alcohol and substance misuse problems and the reduction in numbers of re-offending veterans in the criminal justice system.
RBL (Royal British legion) - sometimes called The British Legion or The Legion, is a British charity providing financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants.
3.2 Care experience
We recognise that care experienced prisoners have particular challenges when trying to maintain contact. Our Offender Managers and Key workers will work hard to provide support to those who have lost contact with close or distant family, including those that have cared for them (even if not related). We are working hard with the local authorities to identify
contacts but this work is in its infancy. A number of these are described below:
Teen challenge rehab centre - Teen Challenge UK is a registered charity and operates nationally to help young people who have developed life controlling problems, especially drug and alcohol addictions, and also to offer preventative help to those who may be in danger of doing so.
5
Action Housing - Action (formerly Action Housing) is a charity providing services to vulnerable people in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. They offer a range of support services around homelessness, ex-offenders, mental health, domestic abuse and young people, including accommodation and floating support.
Framework - Framework is a charity delivering housing, health, employment, support and care services to people with a diverse range of needs. Regardless of the persons past, or the challenges they face, they empower people to achieve financial stability, social inclusion and independence, because they believe that everyone has the right and potential to achieve a better future.
3.3 Self-isolators
By definition this group are extremely vulnerable and the reasons for their isolation can be complex. We will work with each individual and develop strategies to try and promote their own well-being but also the importance of maintaining contact with the outside world. As the majority of our cells have in cell telephony this makes contact slightly easier, however this does not withstand the lack of funds they may have through non-attendance at work. Their key worker and /or safer custody team will work with each.
If anyone has any concerns regarding a loved one, then please contact the safer custody hotline 0115 8724464
Email [email protected]
Annex A
Reducing Re-Offending Meeting
6
Terms of Reference
NAME OF MEETING: Pathways Meeting
AIM: To strategically manage and co-ordinate all Resettlement Issues at HMP Nottingham and to ensure interventions are met through identified pathways
FREQUENCY: Monthly
TIMING: As meeting schedule
VENUE: OMU Board Room
CHAIR: Head of Reducing Re-Offending
ATTENDEES: Offender Management & Public ProtectionResettlement ManagerHead of Learning, Skills & EducationResettlement services providersCRCCare Experience LeadInterventions Security Nottingham City LibraryResidential inc InductionGymnasium HealthcareFamilies Lead (Ops)Voluntary and Community Sector provider
KEY OBJECTIVES:
To establish good interdepartmental communication both within and outside the establishment to reduce risks of reoffending through pathway management
To co-ordinate Resettlement, OMU activity, ensuring strategic direction, effectiveness and efficiency following each pathway of rehabilitation as an agenda item.
To develop and implement policy, incorporating regional and national change advising the SMT on revisions.
To maintain an establishment wide delivery of rehabilitation services against each Pathway and bring in Voluntary sector support.
Annex B – Families & Significant Others Action Plan
7
Action SPoC Action Due Comments
Launch revised strategy in June 2019 following consultation with the National leads for policy update
Head of Reducing Reoffending
June 2019 Community Notice
Notice to Visitors
Advise ‘Sign Posters’
Ensure strategy is published in key areas such as library, induction, visits and reception
Head of Reducing Reoffending
June 2019
Ensure F&SO is Standing Agenda in Pathways meeting.
Ensure action plan is consolidated into wider Pathways Action Plan
Head of Reducing Reoffending
June 2019
Drive the identification and support of veterans in custody
Head of Equalities
July 2019 Will require support from Head of Residence.
Develop Veterans in Custody Peer Support
Develop links with Community Support Groups
Drive the identification and support of Care Experienced Prisoners
Head of OMU July 2019 Will require support from Head of Residence.
Develop Peer Support
Develop links with Community Support Groups
Drive the identification and support of Self - Isolators
Head of Safety July 2019 Will require support from Head of Residence.
Develop Peer Support
Ensure each ‘SI’ has a support plan in place
Review Family Strategy Checklist (Annex B)
Relevant functional heads
July 2019 All aspects to be included in relevant policies
Annex C Establishing a Family Strategy – Checklist, Response and Actions
8
Questions to consider when establishing a family strategy
9
Guiding Questions
Potential Resources/Examples Comments
Do you have a Terms of Reference that includes the aims of the family strategy?
A strategy based around HMIP expectations and key Farmer recommendationsIntroduction Working in Partnership Contract Management Performance and
Measurement Digital and Technology Developing Innovation and
Practice Care Leavers
This strategy focuses on more than just visits and includes reference to other aspects of communication.
The strategy forms part of the Reducing Reoffending committee and will be a standing agenda item. Debz
In addition the Governor and Visits Custodial Manager meet monthly with PACT to monitor contract delivery. Vicki
Care Leavers (Experienced) forms part of the Safer Custody Meeting. Keith
Similarly self isolators are monitored via the Safer Prisons meeting and encouraged to maintain family ties. Keith
Do you understand the needs of visitors?
Family/significant other forumsVisitor survey Holding regular meetings with visitors as well as visitor surveys will give a good understanding of their needs. This information will help to better meet needs. A senior manager being present at some visits sessions.
We have recently completed a visitor survey and these will be conducted bi annually. Vicki to conduct survey
How many prisoners receive visits?
PNOMISPrisoner forums Using PNOMIS data, identified trends.Strategy can cover this area and identify plans to explore further. Provider can assist
We review this regularly to ensure capacity and have recently reduced the number of sessions pro rata to reduction in op cap. We monitor those who do not receive visits at the safer custody meeting. Keith to ensure this is in place
Does visitors having to wait matter?
“What is it like to visit someone in prison”
Visitors are allowed in to our visitor centre well in advance of visit sessions starting. There are some observations that visitors are left waiting outside the prison. Vicki to review
Why are visitors’ centre important?
Understand perception of visitor centre/reception service – use provider to assist Pictures on the wall, photographs, children’s drawings/paintings
We understand the need of a supportive visitor centre and are proud to collaborate with PACT.
A newly appointed rehab culture and engagement lead will review the centre for its appropriate communication aspects. Katie
10
What does it feel like to be searched?
We appreciate the challenges searching poses, particularly for children and therefore we try and make the process as unobtrusive as possible Mark
What are visitor’s experiences of being searched?
Visitors surveyMQPLHMIP reportVisitor forums – with families’ senior lead presence Develop a children friendly approach to the visits search experience/ safeguarding
The most recent survey indicated 34 (out of 41) were satisfied to very satisfied with our arrangements.
‘Just like an airport not invasive or unpleasant.’
‘I have no issues with this it is a safety requirement that I am
more than happy with.’
How does it feel to visit someone in prison?
Understand perception of visit experience – use provider to assist Demonstrate actions and plans designed to encourage positive outcomes
Overall from the graph below, the experience is mostly positive. The waiting time appears to be the worst aspect. Vicki
Comments in the latest survey were disappointing with some suggesting staff did not treat them courteously once out of the visitor centre. Vicki
How does it feel for a child or young person to visit someone in the prison?
This question needs to be posed in the next survey, although children’s play areas seem to be popular. Vicki
Are visits a time to really talk?
Create an environment that enables positive communication
The visits experience has recently been renovated and we believe provides a good opportunity to interact.
Do visits become easier for family/ children and young people/significant other and prisoners over time?
Visitors surveyMQPLHMIP reportDevelop regular feedback opportunities to inform strategy
This needs to be posed in the next survey. Vicki
What would make visiting a more positive experience for all?
Visitors surveyMQPLHMIP reportPrisoner and Family Forums Develop regular feedback opportunities to inform strategy
The most recent survey suggests overall experience is good, however distance from visitor centre was cited as a problem. Sadly there is little was can do other than allow visitors to drive this final bit but parking will be a challenge.
What staffing arrangements
Use of provider to assist in training and awareness/
We have developed a bespoke operations group who run visits on a regular basis
11
including training are in place for staff working with prisoners, their families and significant others?
including safeguardingRegular deployment of informed staff Staff invited to volunteer for visits/families workProvider asked to attend wider forums to raise awareness of family issues
How effective are local procedures in allowing the family to contribute to sentence planning? Are Personal Advisors included in sentence planning for care leavers?
This is not in place at present. We will review arrangements to consider if appropriate for our cohort. Gurdev
Have staff accessed training to deliver an effective service in partnership with family services providers, prisoners, family and significant others?
Training programme / competenciesSPDRSpecialist JDs
This is not realistic at this time due to competing training demands. We will review what we can deliver in this area. Vicki
What are the key headings for a strategy?
Operating GuidanceBest practiceWhilst it should be a document personal to the establishment - headings taken from operation guidance might assist: Introduction Working in Partnership –
Where a prison is involved with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) or the new multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, the Board may be able to assist
In addition, our strategy focuses on other aspects of communication including telephones and emails.
12
Contract Management Performance and
Measurement Digital and TechnologyDeveloping Innovation and Practice
How might we encourage or support family and significant other ties for prisoner’s subject to public protection arrangements?
Person Posing Risk to Children (PPRC) and Child Contact reviewsMonitoring arrangements and reviewsEngagement with Local Authority Children’s ServicesMulti-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) engagementConsider least intrusive restriction whilst maintaining public protection
Our Mappa arrangements are effective but we will review in light of this aspect. Andrea
How are providers meeting the organisational needs for prisoners and their family?
SurveysFamily forumsContract management meetings Providers may be asked to provide evidence as part of contract management
PACT and ourselves are responsible for the completion of bi monthly surveys.
In addition the governor meets monthly with PACT to review performance.
Do you have a family lead to support family services provision?
Do understand the need to consider care leavers?
Family strategyFamily teamFamily forumsIdentify a family lead from the SMT to specialise in family services, works closely with service providers and embeds within organisation.Useful also to have a middle management presence and responsibility
The Head of Operations and her team lead on visits.
How often do you meet with the family services providers?
Minutes of meetingsContract Management Guidance Monthly meetingsQuarterly cluster meetings
Monthly
Are providers represented in wider prison forums?
Establishment family Strategy Reducing Reoffending forumsLearning and Skills forums
The prisoner council has opportunities for prisoners to discuss any issues they may wish to raise
Has the establishment got links with the community
This needs to be developed James
13
– schools and local authorities; and with community supervision in this area? (CRC/ NPS)Have you agreed what services will be delivered and expected standards?
Family forumsContract management guidance Using the family services specification, agree the provision to be delivered
There is an SLA in place with PACT. This is monitored on a monthly basis.
Have you established and agreed performance indicators and contract management information?
Family services specificationHaving agreed the provision consider how you might measure performance. How many of… what quality you expect
This may need developing further. Vicki
Have you established purchase orders so that providers are paid on time?
Identify a key member of staff to oversee this processSee Contract Guidance document for further details
Yes effective systems are in place for the timely completion of payments
Is the provider included in key meetings and integrated in the life of the prison?
Is the family service provider invited to attend the SMT or other management board?
No, however the Head of Operations does attend the SMT.
Is your approach to contract management clear to the provider?
See Contract Guidance document for further details
PACT are an established provider so well aware of obligations
Is the contract management approach clear to your SMT, family lead and all relevant parties?
SMT minutesFamily lead SPDRContract meeting minutes Lead + provider presentation to SMT
Yes, although needs formalising in SPDR arrangements. Vicki
Are your monthly meetings minuted with
Minutes Variation orders in place
Meetings are minuted by Head of Ops. Vicki
14
actions and issues identified and addressed?Do you know where to get assistance and further support?
See support and contact section Having cluster meetings may help
Yes we are confident on this.
Have you agreed what services will be delivered and the expected standards?
Family forums Meeting minutes and agenda
This needs reviewing in light of new year. Vicki
Have you considered how to record agreed performance indicators and contract management information to manage family services provision?
Performance agreement with family services provider Meeting minutes and agenda
This will be reviewed as part of wider discussion with PACT. Vicki
Is there existing family management information that can be used to determine performance?
PNOMIS data should show historical and current data regarding performance. The number of visits that a prisoner receives could indicate the effectiveness of relationships, also a reduction in the number of visits received may indicate an issue. Also, how many prisoners do not receive visits and how might this be addressed?
The recent survey indicates an overall positive experience for families. Complaints from prisoners regarding visits are not common. Neil
Reference Farmer recommendations and HMIP expectations and record deliver/developments against them
Development plan arising out of examination of delivery in this area
Families & Significant Others is a red line in our performance delivery, therefore this is a high priority for the prison.
What actions will be taken once you know
Meeting minutes Published Development plan
We will review performance and create action plans to remedy. Vicki
15
what the data tells you?Have you shared the data and considered actions with the SMT and all staff?
Meeting minutesStaff information Published plan
No data has been presented as yet. Vicki
How do we monitor progress against the actions?
Meeting minutes Combined annual report?
Monthly meeting. Vicki
How effective is the recording of next of kin and family contact?
We are reviewing our data gaps as part of our performance culture. Vicki
Who ensures that a prisoner’s family or significant others’ details are recorded when they arrive at the prison from court?
It is the responsibility of reception and Early Days staff.
Have alternative arrangements been made where a prisoner is the sole carer of a child or other dependent?
This will be addressed by Probation colleagues at court
What efforts are made to assist family engagement especially for those who have no family/significant other contact?Have you considered the role of the Personal Advisor for prisoners who are care leavers
The safer custody team and also the prisoners individual key worker will engage with prisoners in an attempt to rekindle family ties. For those who do not receive visits, the APV is also encouraged.
16
and are entitled to this support from the local authority?What arrangements are in place to support family and significant others that wish to communicate concerns about their friends or relatives in prison?
Family forums There is a safer custody hotline, although the survey indicates little confidence.
In addition the governor has published his email in the visitors entrance and visitors routinely contract him expressing concerns over loved ones.
How is information from family and significant others recorded and if concerns are raised, how are actions recorded?
Performance agreement with family services provider
The governor replies directly and also includes the relevant HoF to address any concerns. The HoF will then meet with the prisoner and contact the family directly. entries are then made on NOMIS
Are family and significant others included in ACCT reviews?
ACCT Guidance (link)Annex E
This has been discussed but not formally in operation. There are some examples where this has taken place.
For prisoners who are care leavers is the Personal Advisor invited to attend where appropriate?
As above
Are actions taken when a prisoner is on acct communicated to the family and significant other?
Not at present. We will review our arrangements to consider this. Keith
How might family or significant others be helpfully
We have used families in the past, however this is usually for more complex cases
17
involved where a prisoner is feeling suicidal?How might family or significant others be helpfully involved where a prisoner has ongoing mental health issues?
Clearly any input is invaluable. We will consider this with our NHS colleagues. Adeline
How might prison visits be enhanced to assist a prisoner to cope with and feel safe?
Feedback from the survey indicates majority of people feel safe. It is acknowledged staff could be more welcoming. Vicki
What is the ethnic make-up of your prisoners and users?
What are the demographics of prisoners in you jail?What are the demographics of staff in your jail?
Demographics are monitored by the equalities team as is the take up of activities including visits. Teresa
What is the ethnic make-up of your staff?
Do staff reflect the diversity of users?Where ethnic reflection is not possible, do family services providers represent diversity?Do staff understand the needs of prisoners and users with protected characteristics?
BAME ethnicity is lower than the city / county statisitcs.
Female staff are well represented in all areas including front line.
What are the criteria for prisoners to access family services? For example, family days or other activities?How are you addressing the needs of care leavers?
How many times are prisoners accessing family services?Is the application and criteria for successfully accessing family service clear?Is there diversity of prisoners and their family/significant others accessing family services?Is there an appeals process for prisoners that are denied access to family services?
Arrangements are in place and published.
Is the aesthetics of the prison diverse?
Are photographs and resources in the prison and in particular visits and play areas diverse and reflective of protected characteristics?
A new engagement lead is reviewing all aspects of our information to ensure it is appropriate for all. Katie
How often is in-cell telephony /
SurveyMonitor number of calls and
Unsure what we do with any information. Neil
18
landing based telephony used by prisoners in digital environments?
when Published data
How well is the on-line visits booking system received by prisoners/visitors?
SurveyMonitor use and feedback from visitors/prisonsNumber of failed visits – no shows. Information displays in public areas
Survey results indicate it is ok. Telephone is more problematic.
How are prisoners that are not conversant with the use of technology supported?
Family service engagement worker may assist. Staff identified that can support technology for prisoners who for a range of reasons cannot use the facility. E.g. literacy needs, not familiar or comfortable with technology Is assisted technology provided for prisoners who have disabilitiesUse of peer supporters
Sign posters (peer workers) assist those having difficulty with kiosks and the like. In addition staff are on hand to support.
How effective is other forms of communication – telephone, letters, other initiatives – email a prisoner, prison voicemail, prison visitor scheme
Data recorded Information published and part of strategy/development plan
We collect data, however it is not used strategically at this time. We will review. Vicki
Have you shared your ideas with the family services partners about new and innovative services to support and improve prisoners, their family and significant other relationships? How do your
Storybook dads/mums Departure lounges – an initiative that provides support for prisoners and their families on dischargeContact initiatives with schoolshttp://www.storybookdads.org.uk/http://giveabook.org.uk/2015/02/01/storybook-mums/ Children friendly visits design
This are needs developing and we will review with our partners. Vicki
19
family service partners share their ideas with you?If you have a homework club, what criteria is used for prisoner’s family/significant children to access the service?
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/locked-out-report.pdfReflected in strategy
Not applicable at this time
How do you know that initiatives are effective?
SurveyManagement informationPerformance measurement
MQPL, HMIP, visitors surveys, complaints monitoring
Do you provide a service for prisoners who do not have family or significant other relationships?
Care leaver strategy and work Care leaver champion?Peer supporters? Links with local authorities that have a statutory duty to provide ongoing support to care leavers?
This forms part of our Care Experienced policy,. Keith
Your learning and skills provider may have ideas to support family learning activities
Discussions with learning provider
We will review our current arrangements. Mike
Annex D - HMP Nottingham: Visitors Survey
Total Survey completion = 52
Safer Custody Phone Line
20
Number of visitors who had reported concerns: 10 (19%) - Route for sharing concerns:
General telephone line 4
Chaplain 3
Safer custody line 1
Health department 1
Governor/management
2
Number of visitors who received a response from prison after they had raised a concern: 2
Satisfaction in prisons’ response to concern:
5 (50%) of the visitors scored their satisfaction level as 1 (not satisfied at all) 3 of the visitors scored their satisfaction level as 3 (neither satisfied nor dissatisfied)
‘The prison has never got back to me though. ‘No response whatsoever. Not confident knowing what to do to raise concerns - I researched online to find out best contact route and I received no response to written or telephone contact about concerns.’
I feel that you do not get much response back what so ever. I don’t feel that any issues are dealt with properly.
‘Disgusting lack of communication when inmate was in ITU at hospital. Get passed to pillar to post nobody ever seems to know anything. I was never told he was in ITU - I had to chase it up.’
‘We hadn’t heard from my parent in over 2 weeks and no-one told us anything.’
‘Felt like they didn’t want to hear my concerns and feel like they don’t have any interest in the inmates.’
Sharing concerns about prisoner welfare with prison
21
13%
25%
13%15%
34%
Confidence in sharing concern with the prison
16%
14%
14%26%
30%
Confidence in knowing how to share concerns
34%
16%22%
16%
12%
Confidence in believing that the prison will re-
spond to your concerns
Key:
1 – not at all confident
2 – not confident
3
4 - confident
5 – very confident
‘I would never contact the prison with a concern - no way!’
‘I would be concerned that some staff would use the information negatively.
‘There is no point contacting safer custody - they never get back to you.’
‘I have always been advised to contact the chaplain for the best response.’
‘I didn’t know you could contact the prison.’
What prevents families sharing their concerns?
Prison not responding to concerns (3) Families unable to get through to anyone (3) Potential negative impact on prisoner (7)
‘Nobody trusts jails because it gets reported to the wrong people.’
‘Don’t feel confident in confiding in staff.’
‘Bullying and confidentiality concerns.’ - ‘I don’t want my son victimised for this.’
Communication between the prison and families
22
How they keep prisoners safe
Substance misuse services
Mental health and wellbeing
Education and training
Support for prisoners
Resettlement
How families can stay in touch
How to make a complaint
New developments in the prison
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Do visitors feel they have sufficient information from the prison?
Don't know No, I would like more informationYes, I have enough information
What would families like further information about?
5 visitors said they would like to receive more information about specifically about mental health provision in the prison
2 visitors said that they would like more information about substance misuse programmes in the prison. 4 prisoners said that they would like information about all the above areas (as depicted in graph)
Safety
The vast majority of families felt safe during visit processes.
In the visit centre Moving from the visit centre to the hall
In the visit hall On family visits0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
2 3 411 2
423 4
73
8 8
3 4
3430
27
12
How safe visitors feel during visits
1 not at all safe 2 3 4 5 very safe
‘Very nervous about moving from the centre to the hall and the constant clang of locking doors but with having officers around you feel quite safe.’
23
‘The staff at the visit centre make you feel safe and welcome.’
‘The visit hall needs to be closer to the visit centre as it is not suitable for disabled who cant walk or have problems to walk that hill.’
‘I think there are sufficient officers and staff to cover the fear factor.’
‘Do separate visits for people that are convicted of sexual assaults and paedophiles.’
23%
13%
23%
18%
23%
How safe visitors feel their family member in custody is
1 not at all safe
2
3
4
5 very safe
‘A visitor would quickly see and feel if there were any safety issues.’
‘Listen to families more as you have a duty of care.’
2 families felt that Nottingham Post newspaper heightened families’ anxieties about the prison.
Visits
Booking processes
Support and information
Search processes
Play facilities
Refreshments
Waiting times
Visit hall environment
Keeping children safe
Days and times
Extended visits
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
3
1
1
2
4
10
3
0
3
0
4
4
1
1
6
5
3
3
4
1
11
5
7
6
11
15
12
7
8
1
7
9
12
5
6
7
9
8
7
1
21
26
22
25
14
7
16
14
22
9
Visitor satisfaction with visit provision
1 not at all satisfied 2 34 5 very satisfied
Booking processes
‘At times this has been complex and annoying but it is not too bad at the moment.’
24
‘Easy via internet not so easy to ring for visits.’
Support and information
‘The visit centre is very welcoming environment that put the first time visitor at ease.’
‘Pact are very helpful.’
‘All staff are friendly and help best they can with information.’
‘Brilliant staff friendly and helpful always willing to help with anything when they can.’
Search processes
‘Just like an airport not invasive or unpleasant.’
‘I have no issues with this it is a safety requirement that I am more than happy with.’
Play facilities
‘Although it does not apply in my case it is very nice to see an area set for children, making them more relaxed.’
Refreshments
4 visitors suggested that they would like hot food available in the visit hall.
3 visitors said that certain items of food often ran out and that additional food should be stocked to avoid this.
1 visitor suggested that they would like refreshments available in the Visit Centre.
Wait times
6 visitors commented on the fact that once they left the Visit Centre they often had to wait significant periods of time before they were able to go into the visit hall. During this time visitors waited outside even when it was cold and wet and then were held a second time in cramped conditions:
‘Too long. Very good in visits centre but once you get to the prison gate they are slow and make is wait in cold and on the street.’
‘Up until you enter the prison is very efficient but have to wait too long in-between booking in at the main gate and getting into visits hall. The children get stressed.’
‘Waiting to go through to dog search after general search is sometimes late. It is a hot sweaty room we are all squashed into and there is nothing to entertain children.’
‘Fast in visit centre but slow after search to prisoners.’
Visit hall environment
3 visitors said that they did not like the new seating in the visit hall:
25
‘I don’t like the new tables and chairs they are terrible, I leave with back ache every week.’
‘The seating is very bad and the new tables and chairs are too low and sitting the way you have to puts strain on your back.’
‘Seating not appropriate for small children i.e hot drinks.’
Keeping children safe
‘It seems very safe for children after all it parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe.’
‘Prisoners can sometimes kick off with their partners and they don’t care that there are children about.’
Extended visits
‘The family day was brilliant - extremely well organised. All the family thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a greatly appreciated privilege.’
‘Ensure families are equally chosen for family visits.’
2 visitors said that there should be more Family Days made available and that they should be longer in length.
How much importance does the prison put on the role of the family?
Over a half of visitors (52%) felt that the prison placed importance on the role of the family. Almost a quarter of visitors (24%) did not feel that the prison placed any importance on the role of the family.
12%
12%
24%19%
33%
How much importance does the prison put on the role of the family?
1 not at all important
2
3
4
5 very important
Families’ suggestions to create improved family-centred prison practice:
26
6 visitors suggested that if prison staff treated them with more respect and in a more welcoming manner, this could help to improve family centred practice:
‘Prison officers to be more friendly to family members. I always feel we are treated similar to prisoners.’
‘Just be a bit friendlier and more approachable.’
‘Members of staff could talk to them in a better manner for them to feel like they can confide in them.’
‘Yes stop talking to me like I am a criminal - just because I come to visit doesn't make me a criminal.’
‘We are also the criminals! If only half of these officers had a loved one inside they would understand.’
‘They look at us like scumbags - we are not criminals!’
27
