Communications
Families are able to maintain contact with the outside world using a full range of communications media.
27. Families are able to maintain contact with the outside world through easy access to visits and a full range of communications media.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met. They do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- There is sufficient access to telephones at all times.
- Detainees can make international phone calls at rates comparable to those available in the community.
- Families without money are provided with a reasonable number of free calls of sufficient length.
- Families are able to use personal email accounts and have internet access, and can open attachments.
- All legitimate websites are accessible. There are effective procedures for quickly and permanently unblocking sites that have been inappropriately restricted.
- Families have free access to video calling and social networking to support contact with family and friends. Access is restricted only on the basis of documented individual risk assessment.
- Families can quickly and easily send and receive faxes, without charge and without restrictions on length, to ensure that legal documents are transmitted in their entirety.
- Families can receive daily visits. Visitors are treated with respect and are subject to minimum security checks. Visitors are able to deliver property.