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What to expect if you're sent to prison - prison rules and regulations, healthcare and education, prisoner rights

• Arriving at prison

  When someone arrives at prison they have at least one interview and…

• Prisoner privileges and rights

  Prisoners who follow rules can earn privileges. This is called the…

• Healthcare in prison

  Prisoners are entitled to the same standard of healthcare and treatment as…

• Vulnerable prisoners

  Staff are trained to spot prisoners at risk of bullying, suicide or…

• Pregnancy and childcare in prison

  Women who give birth in prison can keep their baby for the first 18 months…

• Education and work in prison

  Courses are normally available to help prisoners get new skills, for…

• Updated: 1 August 2023

Tells HM Passport Office staff how to handle applications and queries from prisoners (detainees), including ex-prisoners or those out on licence, in the UK or overseas.

• Updated: 14 November 2022

How a prisoner is released - including Parole Board hearings, resettlement schemes and temporary release on licence

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) investigates complaints from prisoners, young people in detention (prisons and secure training centres), those on probation and individuals detained under immigration powers (detained individuals). It also investigates all deaths that occur among prisoners, young...

• Updated: 15 April 2021

Helplines providing advice and support to the families of people in prison - including the Prisoners' Families Helpline

• Updated: 19 February 2024

Find information on prisons and young offender institutions in England and Wales, including how to arrange visits and how to stay in touch with prisoners.

• Updated: 1 April 2022

Policy and guidance for prisons on identifying and managing potential category A and restricted status (high security) prisoners.

• Updated: 21 September 2022

Wayland is a men’s prison near Thetford, Norfolk.

• Updated: 17 March 2025