FAQs - Questions families ask

We hope you will find the answers to your questions here.  But if your question is not answered, please call Castle Gate Family Trust on 01452 453127. If you would like more in depth information, why not book to see a member of our staff who can talk things through with you face to face.

How long is the sentence likely to be?

It is very difficult to say,  but it is worth talking to the defendant’s solicitor for any questions relating to the legal side.

What happens immediately after sentencing?

The defendant is taken down to the cells.  There they should be seen by their solicitor and/or barrister, who will explain the sentence and what it actually means.  They may also give advice on legal matters, for example, if it is worth appealing against the conviction and/or sentence.

Where will he be going?

The Castle Gate court volunteer at Gloucester Crown Court can find out for you, but we need the defendant’s permission before we can let you know. 
We will do our best to ask the defendant before he is transported.

For other courts, the court custody clerk or probation officer, or a member of court staff may be able to tell you which prison your family member will be sent to.

What happens next?

The defendant waits in the court cells until a prison van is available for the transfer to prison.  On arrival at prison, he will have to go through some of the paperwork, medical checks, get clothes sorted out and valuable – such as watch/money/credit cards – listed, and be given an introduction to prison.

Can he contact his family?

Usually, you can expect a phone call that evening or the next day.  Remember that this phone call may be brief, so keep a pen and paper handy to take down details of anything you might need to send by post or take on the first visit.  When you get the phone call make sure you get the name of the prison and prisoner’s number.  Click here to find out the prison address. 

When can we next see him?

This varies from prison to prison. Some prisons have a ‘reception visit’ of up to an hour which needs no VO (visiting order from the prisoner).  Sometimes you may even be able to see him the same or the next day - particularly if it is early on the day he is sentenced and you manage to get through to the prison and the booking lines are still open.  The Castle Gate Family Trust can give you booking line numbers and opening times for prison visits. 

Your family member will usually welcome a visit as soon as possible.  Visits are usually in the afternoon.

I am a bit worried about the first visit - will it be difficult?

The first visit can be quite difficult and sometimes distressing so you may not want to take your children.  It is also a good idea to see what facilities there are before taking your children.  Gloucester Prison makes good arrangements for children.   For more information on the visits process, see the fact sheet on prison visits written by Prisoners Friends and Families Service.  You could also phone their freephone helpline if you have questions about visits 0808 808 3444. 

If money is tight and you are on certain benefits you may be able to get financial help for your visits. Click here for more information.

Can children visit prison?

Yes they can.  The rules will vary from prison to prison but they will definitely need to be accompanied by an adult of over 18 years
• Appropriate adults can be offered for supervised visits where necessary.

What can I send in?

Again this varies from prison to prison.  Click here for the information for Gloucester prison.  We can give you contact numbers for other prisons where appropriate, call us on 01452 453127 or use the prison locator on the HMPS website for addresses and numbers of prisons in England and Wales.

How do I tell my children?

The most important thing is to choose a time when you can give the children all of your attention and when you won’t be disturbed, to answer their questions and, where necessary, to comfort them.  You might find it helpful to talk to the child support worker at Castle Gate Family Trust, she will be able to give you advice on how to tell your children and on any issues they may face.   We can also refer you to a social worker for more difficult cases.We have contact numbers to give parents for further advice and support services.

There is helpful information on Telling the Children on the Action for Prisoners’ Families website. 

Should I tell my children’s school?

It’s natural not to want to tell anyone about your family member in prison.  But your child(ren) may get confused and upset at school, so it might be best to tell their class teacher or head teacher what has happened (whoever you think is most appropriate). 

This information will be completely confidential.  The teachers and staff who deal with your child(ren) will be informed, so that they can give the best help and support.

The Child Support Worker has lots of experience of working with many schools and teachers, and is on hand to help you approach the school and share this information if needed. 

We do not live in Gloucestershire but my partner is serving his sentence here, can we still receive support from Castle Gate Family Trust?

Yes of course. We are able to support any family that has involvement with any Gloucester Crown Court and / or has a relative in HMP Gloucester.

Where can I get help and advice?

If you have a family member in Gloucester prison, or if you live in Gloucestershire, call Castle Gate Family Trust on 01452 453127. 

There are also helplines and befriending services which can help you and your children/family.  Remember, you are not alone.  There are many people who have experienced what you are going through who are out there to help you.

I am very worried about my family member in prison – who can I talk to?

If you are concerned about your family member in prison, you could contact the prison chaplain who is available to speak to anyone, no matter what religion you are or if you do not have a faith at all.  You need to phone the main prison number (click her for numbers on the prison locator) and ask to speak to the prison chaplain.

I am worried about money – what can I do?

If you have financial worries, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau is a good place to start.  You can find your nearest CAB by entering your postcode on the CAB website.   This will then tell you the opening times, phone numbers and give you a map for how to find them.

I am feeling very depressed, should I see my doctor?

You, or your children, may feel sad, lonely, confused or depressed.  This is completely normal, but you may still find it a great help to make an appointment to see your doctor.

I am worried we will lose our home, who can help?

If you are worried about losing your home, contact the Council, the housing association or the mortgage company before problems arise, particularly if you are going to have difficulties paying.  The Citizens Advice Bureau or Shelter may be able to help.