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Today's spin by @MoJGovUK is deeply deceiving. Here's why: https://twitter.com/MoJGovUK/status/1351097553945841669
Today's spin by @MoJGovUK is deeply deceiving. Here's why: https://twitter.com/MoJGovUK/status/1351097553945841669
1/ Virtual visits are no substitute for in-person visits
Every person in prison is entitled to ONE 30 minute video visit per month. Nowhere near the amount of time that folks would be able to see their loved ones in prison before the suspension of in-person visits last March.
Every person in prison is entitled to ONE 30 minute video visit per month. Nowhere near the amount of time that folks would be able to see their loved ones in prison before the suspension of in-person visits last March.
2/ Failing technology
Many families have reported that, when able to get on a video visit, the tech often fails multiple times during the 30 minutes. E.g: if movement is detected on the call, the video will freeze and the call will end.
Many families have reported that, when able to get on a video visit, the tech often fails multiple times during the 30 minutes. E.g: if movement is detected on the call, the video will freeze and the call will end.
As @ChildrenHandS reported to the @HumanRightsCtte last week: "I want the children to have a video call with their Mum more than once a month and without the security settings closing the video every ten seconds." https://twitter.com/ChildrenHandS/status/1350115209424285696
3/ Some of our followers have reported video visits being cancelled at short notice for a number of reasons including: "technical issues", wing lockdowns and staff shortages. This is distressing for families, many of whom haven't seen their loved one in nearly a year.
4/ Virtual visits require access to a smartphone, laptop or tablet. We've seen, throughout the pandemic, that many people don't have access to the digital to connect with others. What is in place for families without access to the technology needed for a virtual visit?
5/ Virtual visits should be effectively rolled out NOT to primarily help reduce reoffending but because they are a right.
The right to a family life is protected under Article 8 of the ECHR.
The right to a family life is protected under Article 8 of the ECHR.
For children, the failure of the Govt to safeguard their best interests is in breach of the 2004 Children Act, 2010 Equality Act and Article 14 of the ECHR.
The Govt must increase the capacity of existing virtual visiting facilities whilst publishing a clear timeline of when in-person visits will be up and running. The wellbeing of people in prison and their loved ones depends on this.
