Aims & Purpose Background Theory How the Toolkit Works The Sentence Types of Prison NOMS Be Aware Behaviours Key Stages Arrest (Stage 1) Charge (Stage 2) Court (Stage 3) Starting the Sentence (Stage 4) First Visit (Stage 5) Serving the Sentence (Stage 6) Release (Stage 7)
Reflection
First visit (stage 5)
The time around the first visit can be a very difficult time as there are many pressures and expectations. The pressures are both practical and emotional, such as getting the money to visit, travel arrangements, what to say, being unaware of what will actually happen and how the partner will look and feel.
Stage of change: contemplation for the prisoner and active change for the parent.
Interventions - this is a time for very practical support in order to reduce the underlying anxiety. Responding to the potential issues raised above.
This will be a time of high expectation and anticipation. Younger children may expect things to be 'as normal.' Older children and teenagers may disengage or show protest behaviour, as they face the prospect of confronting their parent.
Stop; be aware that making a phone call to arrange a visit takes a long time and can be expensive.
Stop; check that the family have the Visiting Order (VO); only those named on the VO will be allowed to visit.
Stop; the family may have to give their fingerprints at the prison and they may be searched.
Look for the ways the family express emotions about the visit.
Look for signs of tension prior to the visit, children may be disruptive or quiet.
Look for any others who should be notified about the visit, such as school, to avoid an unauthorised absence.
Listen to the expectations and promises that are made around the visit - are they realistic?
Listen to what the family will do after the visit. This can be a very tense time.
