Visiting my Mum or Dad in Prison
What happens from the moment he is taken into custody?
When he is taken into custody he will leave the courtroom and go to the holding cells downstairs. He will wait here while the paperwork is being dealt with. He may be in the holding cell for some hours before he is taken to the prison. Food will be given to him if he still there during meal times.
What happens when he arrives in the prison?
When he arrives in prison, he will be taken directly to the Reception area. His personal details will be taken and he will be photographed and fingerprinted. He will take a shower and be given prison clothes. He can wear his own clothes as soon as he gets the Governor’s permission and his Class Officer will explain the rules about the wearing of prisoner’s own clothes. (The Class Officer is the officer in charge of each prison landing.)
His personal belongings are recorded and taken for safe keeping until his release. His personal details are taken such as height, weight etc and details of his Next of Kin. He will be given a pillowcase, sheets and a duvet cover, toothpaste, soap, a comb, stockings and underwear and any other necessary items. He will also be given a copy of the Prison Rules Booklet. Then he will be taken to the Medical area, where a Nurse or Medical Orderly will see him. Here he can be asked about any medical or psychological problems and if necessary, his own doctor can be contacted if there are any queries about prescribed medication. After this he will be taken to his cell.
What happens on the first full day?
In the morning, the prisoner will meet the Prison Governor or Deputy/Assistant Governor. The Governor will make sure he is aware of his entitlements, obligations and privileges under the Prison Rules. He can discuss any problems or concerns with the Governor, who will do his best to facilitate him. On the first day they will see the Prison Doctor if he/she is on duty.
On the first morning also, he will be seen by the Industrial Manager, and asked if he would like to work in any of the workshops, the kitchen, on the landings, or attend school. He will be informed of what support services are available – psychology service, counselling service, addiction and substance abuse treatment services etc. (The AA visits the prison for meetings twice weekly and the NA comes in regularly. These meetings are held in the Education Unit)
What is the prison like?
What does the Class Officer do ?
The Class Officer will make sure the prisoner is settled into the landing and inform him of the routine. If the prisoner has a question or problem he can approach his Class Officer. If he wishes to see the doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, probation services etc, he can do this through his Class Officer.
What does the Chaplain do ?
What is the prison routine?
What services or activities are available in prison ?
How can phone calls be arranged ?
What about letters ?
What do I tell the children?
What about visits to prison?
How is a visit arranged?
What can I bring to the prison?
What can I expect when visiting the prison?
What happens during the visit ?
Where is Cork Prison and How do I get there?
Cork Prison Visiting Centre
St Nicholas Trust offers a hospitality service to the visitors who come to the Waiting Room.
Volunteers offer tea, coffee and a biscuit, a welcoming smile and a listening ear. They also hand out information to any newcomers on how the visiting system works.