Going to Prison

Hearing your loved-one being sentenced to imprisonment can be a big shock.

If your friend or family member is given a prison sentence, they will be taken away by court officers immediately, and put into custody.

Family and friends are not normally able to say goodbye before the imprisoned person is taken away.

Try to say a quick goodbye beforehand while you have the chance.

If the sentencing occurred in the Local Court, there is a good chance that your criminal lawyer will lodge an ‘appeal’ and make a ‘bail application’ that same day.

A ‘bail application’ is an application to have your loved-one released from custody until the date of the appeal.

If the sentencing occurred in the District or Supreme Courts, it is much harder to make a sucessful ‘bail application’ and have your loved-one released the same day.

He or she will normally have to remain in custody until the date of the appeal.

The next few days can be the most heart-wrenching; particularly as it can be difficult to locate new ‘inmates’ before Corrective Services have processed and placed them; which can take several days.

However, your criminal lawyer can guide you on how to arrange a ‘prison visit’ so that you can see your loved-one as soon as possible.

To find out where someone is in the prison system you will need the date of birth or their MIN.

Their MIN is a six digit number that’s given to an inmate when they enter prison in NSW for the first time.

This will be their identification number any time they are in prison in NSW.

Friends and Family should obtain this number from corrective services as soon as possible, and write it somewhere safe.

You can then call Sentence Administration on (02) 8346 1000 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri), or after hours (7 days until 10pm) on (02) 9289 5258, to locate him or her.

If you are visiting a maximum or medium security prison, make sure you ring to book a visit, then telephone again on the day to double check.

Even if you are visiting an inmate in a minimum security prison you may still have to book.

It is always best to call the prison before you visit.

Inmates are often moved with little or no notice, and visiting times can be cancelled suddenly when the Prison decides to keep all inmates in their cells (this is often called a “lock-down”).

Travel to rural prisons can often be expensive and confusing.

Community Restorative Centre (CRC), which is a NSW community organisation, is dedicated to supporting people affected by the criminal justice system.

This includes low cost bus services to rural Correctional Centres where public transport is expensive or inadequate.

The bus service currently operates between Sydney and Berrima, Goulburn, Cessnock, Oberon, Junee, Bathurst, Lithgow, St Heliers and Kirkconnell Correctional Centres.

CRC provides many other important services as well as the weekend bus service which can be accessed by calling (02) 9288 8700.

The first few times you visit a family member in prison can be stressful and confusing.

Most prisons allow up to four adults to visit at a time as well as children.

Taking children on visits can be stressful for all involved.

However, regular visits are very important for both inmates and their families.

Visits to correctional centres mean following very strict rules, it is important to understand the rules and follow them; visits will then be hassle-free and future visits won’t be jeopardised.

On your first visit, it is important to give yourself extra time as you will need to be given a Visitor Identification Number (VIN).

In order to get a VIN you will need over 100 points of ID as well as proof of address.

Call ahead first to make sure that your ID is suitable.

Many prisons will also scan your eyes (biometric scan) in order to prove your identity for future visits.

You will still need to bring ID every time you visit even if you have had your eyes scanned or been given a VIN.

You will not be allowed to give your friend or family member in prison any items or any money directly.

However, ‘inmates’ are allowed up to $100 in their account at any time, up to a maximum of $100 per week.

This money can be used for telephone calls, or on certain days (usually once a week) to purchase or “buy up” certain items, such as; cigarettes and toiletries.

To deposit money, you need to know the inmate’s full name, their MIN or date of birth.

You will also need your own ID with your address on it and your visitor information number.

It is a good idea to ring and check that you can deposit money on the day you visit, as this department is not open every day.

Don’t forget to ask for a receipt.

Remember that as well as visiting, sending letters and depositing money the very best thing you can do for an inmate is to look after yourself.

Always ask his or her criminal lawyer for advice about anything you don’t understand.

Your criminal lawyer can also deposit funds on your behalf when he or she visits your loved-one in prison.

Keeping strong and together must be your utmost priority.

If you feel that you are not coping be sure to get some counselling.

Your loved-one’s criminal lawyer can refer you to a counsellor.

Alternatively, support is available through the Community Restorative Centre which can be contacted on (02) 9288 8700.