Procedure Standard
To provide appropriate religious and spiritual support for prisoners in the event of whānau / family bereavement where the prisoner cannot attend the actual service. Where approved, a special culturally responsive religious service which may include visitors may be provided by the Prison Manager.
Procedure
- All appropriate support will be offered to the prisoner as soon as notification of the death of a whānau/family member has been officially received.
- A prisoner may apply for and be granted temporary release or an escorted outing to attend a tangi / funeral of a whānau / family member. The prisoner may apply to the Unit Manager for a Special Service through the B.10 Interview process if the:
- temporary release or an escorted outing application is declined
- prisoner choses not to attend the actual service; or
- whānau / family do not wish the prisoner to attend.
- Each application for a Special Service will be reviewed and approved or declined by the Prison Manager at their discretion.
- All Special Services must be approved by the Prison Manager.
- If the application is declined, a review may be initiated by the prisoner through the B.10 Interviews and Complaints process, or whanau / family by contacting the Inspector or Ombudsman.
- The Unit Manager, in consultation with the appropriate cultural advisor and the Chaplain ensures that any approved special services are appropriately arranged.
Process
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Step
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Responsible
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Actions
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Apply to Unit Manager for Special Service
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Unit Manager
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- Completes a B14 with the prisoner
- Through the Case Officer, the prisoner makes a written request for a Special Service using the B.10 Interview process to see the Unit Manager and discuss Special Service request.
- The Unit Manager will make a recommendation and refer request to the Prison Manager.
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Apply to Prison Manager for Special Service
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Unit Manager
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- Record the names of the visitors nominated by the prisoner.
- Check IOMS to see if they are already approved private visitors.
- Complete F1 listing all visitors nominated by the prisoner to attend the Special Service and forward to the Prison Manager.
Details to be included in application are:
- name of each visitor
- that they are approved private visitors in IOMS
- all relevant Special Service details (date, time, attendees etc ) in consultation with Kaitiaki, Chaplain etc.
- If any of the nominated visitors are not approved private visitors, then they must be processed to become approved private visitors.
- Ensure that all non-approved nominated private visitors receive an application form to become an approved private visitor.
- Check availability of appropriate venue.
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Obtain clearance for non-approved private visitors
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Visits Admin Staff
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- Process visitor applications as normal (under urgency).
- Inform Unit Manager of the outcome.
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Unit Manager
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- Update Prison Manager with revised visitor status.
- If visitor fails security clearance, then discuss visitor security status with the Prison Manager.
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Prison Manager
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- If nominated visitor fails security clearance and the Prison Manager DOES NOT approve the visitor to attend the Special Service, then inform the prisoner in person.
- Prison Manager may seek advice from National Office for the approval of any private visitor that fails a security clearance for the express purpose of attending a Special Service if they do not present a risk to the site safety or security.
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Unit Manager
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- Update the prisoner’s File Notes.
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| Arrange special service |
Unit Manager in consultation with Kaitiaki / Chaplain
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- Arrange date and time for special service.
- Communicate details to the prisoner.
- Communicate details to the prisoner’s whānau / family.
- Ensure whānau / family confirm attendance.
- Arrange refreshments.
- Update the prisoner’s File Notes.
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Special service request not approved
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Prison Manager
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- If the prisoner’s request for a special service is declined, they must be informed in person by the Prison Manager.
- The prisoner may request a review of the decision through the B.10 Interviews & Complaints Process.
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Unit Manager
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- Updates the prisoner’s File Notes.
- Completes a B14 with the prisoner.
- Takes the appropriate action in accordance with the B14 policy and procedure.
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