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Crime, justice and the law
Support for relatives of prisoners
There are a number of support agencies available to provide information and guidance to the friends and relatives of prisoners.
Prisoners' Families Helpline
Prisoners' Families Helpline (0808 808 2003) is co-ordinated by Action for Prisoners' Families. It provides information and support to anyone with a relative or friend in prison in England and Wales, and to anyone working with prisoners' families.
HM Prison Service
For more information about all aspects of the Prison Service, visit the Prison Service website.
CJS (Criminal Justice System) Online
This site is an excellent source of information on a range of topics. It includes a number of virtual journeys: the court system (which is particularly useful for those about to attend jury service); victims of crime; and advice for witnesses of crime. It also includes a virtual journey through a person's life from the day of arrival at the prison to the day of release.
Prison Reform Trust
The Prison Reform Trust can deal with enquiries about various aspects of imprisonment, as well as complaints about the treatment of individuals in prison (although it can't deal with cases of wrongful conviction).
Nacro (a crime reduction charity)
Nacro offers a Resettlement Plus helpline (020 7840 6464) providing information for prisoners, ex-offenders, their families and friends.
Parentline Plus
For parents and carers looking for information, help and support with issues concerning family life contact 0800 800 2222 (or textphone 0800 783 6783).
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