Skip to main content

Having a friend or family member sent to prison can be confusing and worrying, especially if its their first time.

This page explains your loved one’s time in prison across four key stages: their first days, settling in, time during their sentence, and preparing to return home.

Use the sections below to follow the journey step by step. They provide clear, practical information to help you understand what to expect, how families are involved, and how to stay in touch with your loved one throughout their time in custody.

a prison hallway
a prison hallway

First days in custody

What you need to know about a person's first days in custody.

Staff members and prisoners in the hall at Low Moss
Staff members and prisoners in the hall at Low Moss

Settling in

What to expect when someone is settling in to life in prison.

Group of prisoners in the art room at Low Moss
Group of prisoners in the art room at Low Moss

During a sentence

What happens during the course of a prison sentence.

Staff and prisoners at table in Stirling
Staff and prisoners at table in Stirling

Preparing to go home

What to expect when you loved one is approaching the end of their time in custody.

two uniformed staff standing in a visit room
two uniformed staff standing in a visit room

Support for you

Imprisonment can have a profound impact on families but there are a number of supports available. 

Prisoner cell in Stirling
Prisoner cell in Stirling

Raise a concern

A dedicated phone line is now in place in every prison for anyone to raise concerns about someone in custody. The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.