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Archive Website of the UK government
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Crime and justice
Going to prison
Find out about prison life and the support and advice available to family and friends of prisoners from the links below
Prison life - an overview
Guide to what someone can expect in prison – from what they can keep in their cell to spending money
Arriving at prison
What happens when someone first enters prison as a prisoner
Types of prison and security categories
What determines the type of prison someone is sent to, based on the risk they are to others
Healthcare in prison
Treatment, health records and medication – find out about types and level of healthcare a prisoner can expect
Education, training and working in prison
Getting new skills and qualifications while in prison and working both inside and outside prison
Pregnancy and childcare in prison
What happens when someone has a child while in prison or already has a child when they arrive
Prisoners' rights and complaining about a prison
The basic legal rights a prisoner has and how a prisoner can complain about their treatment while in prison
Help for prisoners with a mental health condition
Information on treatment and support available plus advice on what to do if you’re worried about a prisoner's mental health
When a prisoner may be eligible for release
How the type of sentence affects when and how someone is released from prison, and the role of the Parole Board
How Parole Board hearings work
What happens when the Parole Board reviews a prisoner’s case
