Timing and manner of advice
When prison staff receives information about the death of a prisoner’s family member, the Unit Manager or on-call officer must be advised so that the timing and manner of conveying this information can be carefully considered before the information is conveyed to the prisoner.
Unit Manager to discuss with specialist staff
Before conveying the information to the prisoner the Unit Manager or on-call officer must discuss the situation with the Prison Chaplain, and / or the Regional Advisor Māori Service Development team member and / or the Social Worker and / or a person from the regional support group as appropriate.
Meeting with the prisoner
The Unit Manager and specialist staff must meet with the prisoner in an area offering privacy (away from other prisoners or prison staff) to convey the message. If appropriate and possible, family members may be asked by specialist staff or the Unit Manager to attend this meeting. The prisoner must be informed of the availability of material, spiritual, emotional and psychological assistance, with referrals to be made as soon as possible.
Special visit
If appropriate and possible, the Unit Manager may approve a special visit for the prisoner and family members.
Temporary release or temporary removal
The Unit Manager must respond to any questions regarding temporary release or temporary removal to attend the funeral and unveiling, and must explain any constraints affecting the prisoner regarding such activities and likely conditions that may be imposed if such activities are approved (for example, the use of handcuffs or the presence of uniformed staff).
At-risk assessment to be carried out
An at-risk assessment must be carried out within one hour of a prisoner being advised of the death of a family member. If necessary and as soon as possible after the assessment, the Unit Manager may direct the prisoner to be placed under special observation for as long as necessary to minimise risk of self-harm.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Staff Receiving Information
- Complete Death of Prisoners’ Kin form (B.08.03.F1) (or local equivalent form) in all cases where the facility is advised of the death of a Prisoner’s Kin.
- Confirm death event by consulting but not limited to one or more of the following sources:
- Hospital
- Funeral Director
- Police
- Newspaper's Death Notices
DO NOT INFORM THE PRISONER
There is to be no direct link between an incoming call and a Prisoner.
Note: On initial communication, staff taking the details from whānau / family should not give any indication that approval for the prisoner’s attendance at the tangi / funeral is automatic.
Unit Manager / On Call Manager / Specialised Staff
- Will liaise with one or more of the following as appropriate:
- Corrections facility chaplain,
- Regional / Site Advisor Māori Service Development team member, Kaitiaki,
- Social Worker.
- The Unit Manager and specialised staff must meet with the prisoner in an area offering privacy (away from other prisoners or Prison Staff) to advise the prisoner:
- If appropriate and possible, family members may be asked by the Unit Manager to attend this meeting.
- The Unit Manager and specialised staff must inform the prisoner of the availability of support they can access:
- Spiritual,
- Emotional,
- Psychological assistance.
Referrals to be made as soon as possible.
Unit Staff
- Complete an "at risk" assessment immediately (within one (1) hour) after the prisoner has been advised of the death of whānau / family member.
