Update on the Independent Review Into The Handling Of Deaths In Prison Custody
In November last year, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Humza Yousef announced that he had asked me, in accordance with section 7(2)(d) of the Prisons (Scotland) Act 1989, to undertake a review into the handling of deaths in prison custody. The review was instructed to enable the identification of and to make recommendations for areas […]
Education and Skills Committee Inquiry into Vulnerable Children during the COVID-19 pandemic
Families Outside is a national independent charity that works solely on behalf of children and families affected by imprisonment in Scotland. We do this through provision of a national freephone helpline for families and for the professionals who work with them, as well as through development of policy and practice, delivery of training, and face-to-face […]
People in Scottish Prisons reported to be receiving phones and tablets to maintain family contact
Families Outside welcomes the news suggesting that people in prison will soon have access to secure mobile phones and tablets to facilitate contact with their families, though official confirmation of this has not yet been announced. Families Outside has long argued for greater use of technology to support family contact with family members in prison. We welcome the […]
The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 and what it means for families affected by imprisonment
Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 1st of April 2020 to enable a number of measures aimed at tackling Coronavirus across Scotland, This followed similar legislation by the UK Parliament. The Act has a number of impacts for families affected by imprisonment. The Scottish Government, […]
Covid-19 -Families Outside Update
As with all organisations, Covid-19 has presented Families Outside with a number of challenges. We hope that everyone manages to cope with this crisis in the best way possible. At Families Outside, we are facing the challenge of maintaining support for families at a time of increasing difficulties; this remains a priority, whilst also ensuring […]