POPS’ family forums are an opportunity for families to meet with senior figures within individual prisons, such as the Governor and Department Heads, to discuss issues pertinent to the visiting experience.
The number of family members recruited to a family forum can vary from 10-15. POPS endeavours to ensure that forum members reflect the diversity of all those who visit.
It is important for families to understand prison regimes and, whilst not all prison residents follow the same sentence plan and day to day routine, having Department Heads and key figures from the prison present at Family Forums enables members to develop their understanding of the processes and procedures that exist.
POPS’ family forums are also an excellent way for visitors to share their views on the visiting experience and make suggestions for improvements to those who can make a difference.
Improvements such as the refurbishment of Visitor Centres, better access for disabled visitors and improved visits booking systems have all been realised because of family forums.
“I never thought for a minute I’d meet a Governor of a prison. I also wouldn’t have believed that my input could have altered the information displayed on a visiting order about ID to make it consistent with the information being asked of the booking in staff.”
If you are interested in joining a family forum at the prison you visit please talk to the POPS’ Family Support Lead.
Last updated 06/11/23.