HMP Wolds

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WHAT VISITORS SHOULD EXPECT

Visitors are encouraged to arrive at least twenty minutes prior to the starting time of the visit, to ensure that the entry searching process does not delay the start of the visit. Visitors should report to the Visitors' Centre on arrival for initial registration.

Refreshment, baby changing facilities, and general advice about prison issues are available in the Visitors' Centre.

In the Visitors' Centre, visitors will have to produce a valid Visiting Order (VO) and acceptable form of identification (adults only).

Visiting Order forms are always required for entry

Visitors may hand in pre agreed property, and private cash for prisoner use. A small amount of money may be taken into the prison for the purpose of purchasing light refreshments during the visit.

Hand baggage must be deposited in lockable lockers.

Once registered, visitors will be called forward to the Entry Building Visitors' Entrance.

A security bracelet will be fitted to all adults as part of the security procdures, and removed at the end of the visit.

Searching
All visitors to HMP Wolds will be searched on entry. Consent to being searched is a precondition of entry into any GSL prison, and notices to this effect can be seen displayed in the Visitors' Centre and in the entrances to the prison.

Searching will be carried out with due regard for the dignity of the individual and his/her possessions. Manual searching by staff will be supplemented by the use of x-ray and metal detection equipment, drug detection dogs, and CCTV surveillance.

Visitor identification
All visitors to closed prisons over the age of 18, whether visiting for social or official purposes must prove their identity at reception. Acceptable forms of identification are:

Passport
Driving licence
Benefits book
Employers or Students ID Card (must include clear name, photograph and signature)
EC Identity Card
Senior Citizen's public transport pass issued by the local authority

For other forms of ID that may be accepted, please contact the prison.

Visitors may be refused entry if not in possession of a valid visiting order or proof of identification.

Facilities for children
If the visitor's babies/children require a pram/stroller the prison will supply them. The visitor's pram/stroller will be placed into the storage area until after the visit.

Children frequently find difficulty in coping with prison visiting. Play facilities are therefore provided in HMP Wolds for children both in the Visitors' Centre and within the Visits Hall. Short videos and toys are provided within the children's play area, and playworkers are provided on some visitng sessions. Children who behave in a disruptive manner can ruin other prisoner and family visiting time and we encourage parents to take responsibility for their children's behaviour.

Conduct of visits
Seating arrangements will be so designed as to place prisoners in specific seats that are visually identifiable. Explicit sexual, indecent or other antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated. Contravention of visits rules may result in early termination of the visit, and/or in disciplinary action against offending prisoners.

Visiting allowances
On each visit, a maximum of three adults are allowed, plus children. Statutory VO's are issued on the first and third week only. Privilege VO's are issued for the other two weekends one of which is for weekday visit only. THe Privilege VOs are only valid for 28 days from the date of issue.

Assisted prison visits
If you have a Wife, Husband, Mother, Father, Brother, Sister or a partner of the same sex who lives with you when they are not in prison, you may qualify for support. If you are on income support or family credit this will demonstrate you have a low income. Alternatively, you may be able to get certificates from the Health Benefits Unit.

If you qualify for assistance, you will get help with travelling expenses for two visits every four weeks. You may also get help with meals and other expenses. You can obtain the claim form F2022 from visits staff who will be happy to give information and guidance. The expenses must be paid first, and then claimed back from the Assisted Prison Visits Unit.

The form tells you more about the rules of the scheme. Completed forms should then be sent to the address shown on the form.

Smoking
The Visits Hall is designated a non-smoking area in the interests of public health. Signs to this effect will be prominently displayed. No tobacco products are allowed in visits.