SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

WRITTEN ANSWER

28 April 2014           

Index Heading: Learning and Justice

 Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (Scottish Liberal Democrats): To ask the Scottish Government  what provision HMP Inverclyde will make for prisoners to receive private family visits from (a) children and (b) young relatives.

(S4W-20651)

Mr Kenny MacAskill MSP:

I have asked Colin McConnell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

“As you will be aware, HMP &YOI Inverclyde is currently in Design Phase. The Design Team’s brief is to focus on activities and play facilities that are suitable for mother and child to enjoy together. The Design Team are working towards providing a comfortable, relaxed and family/child friendly environment, designed to enhance the overall visit experience and encourage the maintenance of links with family and friends.

It is our intention that both indoor and outdoor play areas will be provided for visits with small children. The outdoor visits garden will be accessible by all visitors and additional arrangements will also be made to provide suitable activity for older children, such as access to age appropriate reading material and other suitable activities.

Once operational, it is our intention that the visit room will be used outside normal visiting times for bonding and other child visits. These arrangements will reflect the good practices already in place at HMP & YOI Cornton Vale.”

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT