Family
When a person is very ill, family usually spend time with them. When that person is a prisoner this can be difficult. This can be due to many things. There are restricted visiting times even in the prison hospital. Prisons are often located in areas that are away from cities and travelling can be expensive. Some families don’t want children visiting a parent in prison. Their only contact may be by phone only. Family relationships can suffer because of these things, and might mean that some prisoners don’t have many visitors.
When a family member is in prison, it can mean financial hardship for the family. The prisoner may have provided the main income for the family. Many Centrelink offices have financial information services where families can have a confidential interview and get advice and assistance.
Not all prisoners have a close relationship to their family. Some don’t have any contact at all. Some prisoners don’t have any family and regard their fellow prisoners as family. Prisoners can be seriously ill and be on their own. Family may not be aware until it is too late, that the prisoner is ill. Sometimes people find that they want to re-connect, especially at a time when someone is very ill or dying. Requesting a visit may be the first step to achieving this. Talk to the medical or nursing staff if you are able.
When the prisoner is very ill
Prisons have medical and nursing staff with access to medication and treatment. They can work with palliative care services and other health professionals to provide care for the person who is ill. State or territory corrective services or other prison support groups may be able to tell you about the appropriate prison medical service. (See links below)
To find a palliative care service near to the prison, go to the Palliative Care Australia website where they have a directory of services.
Being released on parole because of a terminal illness is sometimes possible, but does not happen very often.
If the prisoner is dying, still having restrictions on visiting can be distressing. The prisoner may be in the prison hospital, but they could also be in a hospital or hospice. Even if transferred somewhere else, they are still considered to be in custody. Many of the same rules apply. This includes after death when the Coroners’ Office will automatically become involved.
Further information about this can be found from the National Coroners Information System (NCIS).
Organisations and Resources
Many of these organisations are able to provide help and assistance to families of prisoners.
Related CareSearch pages
Finances and Costs
This page was created on 21 April 2009 and is due for review in April 2011
Last updated 03 November 2009