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Written question asked by Andrew Gwynne (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 June 2020 (named day). It was answered by Lucy Frazer (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 June 2020 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Prisoners: Parents

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what processes his Department has put in place to ensure that the children of prisoners are able to have contact with their parents during the covid-19 outbreak.

Answer

In recognition of the importance of continued contact with family, we have moved quickly to keep prisoners in touch with their family members. This includes the provision of 900 locked mobile phones to establishments that do not yet have in-cell telephony. All prisoners, male and female, now have access to some form of telephony either in-cell, landing PIN phone or locked mobile

Additionally, on 15 May, we announced that secure video calls will be introduced to prisons and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) across England and Wales to maintain vital family contact for prisoners and young offenders during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Following a successful trial at HMP Berwyn, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service is installing the technology at 10 institutions with a wider rollout in the coming weeks.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
51715
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Children Disease control Parents Prisoners Prison visitors Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk