You might find some of these links useful if you need to find further organisations to help you if a member of your family has been imprisoned.
If you are an organisation and you would like to link to our website or vice-versa, please feel free to contact us.
Government & Statutory Organisations
Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland
This site is for children and young people in Scotland, your parents and the adults who work with you.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Provides advice and information to people in need in over 250 locations across Scotland.
Community Justice Scotland
Community Justice Scotland provides comprehensive information about Scottish criminal justice.
HM Prisons Inspectorate for Scotland
Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland inspects the sixteen prison establishments throughout Scotland in order to examine the treatment of, and the conditions for prisoners.
Scottish Court Service
Provide staff, buildings and technology to support Scotland’s courts, the work of the independent judiciary, the courts’ Rules Councils and the Office of the Public Guardian.
Scottish Government
The responsibilities of the Scottish Government include health, education, justice, rural affairs, housing and transport.
Information on Prisons & Prison Services
GEOAmey
GEOAmey provide safe and secure transportation and custody suite services for prisoners and young people in custody across the UK. (This service was formerly provided by G4S).
Scottish Prison Service
Establishment information and details found in the Prisons area
Serco
Serco is a leading provider of custodial services to governments around the world. In the UK, we operate four adult prisons.
Sodexo Justice
Sodexo Justice Services runs rehabilitative justice services including full operation of four UK prisons.
Maintaining Contact
Assisted Prison Visits Unit (APVU)
You may be entitled to help with the cost of a prison visit. The APVU can tell you more.
Email A Prisoner
Enables you to send messages to prisoners in UK and Irish prisons operating the service, without writing and posting a letter.
Out-of-hours emotional support
Breathing Space
Helpline that provides advice and support for depression, stress and other issues.
Samaritans
Talk to Samaritans any time you like, in your own way, and off the record – about whatever’s getting to you.
Support in England, Wales & Northern Ireland
FFOPs
Families and Friends of Prisoners support families of prisoners in Wales.
NIACRO
Support for children and families affected by imprisonment in Northern Ireland.
Pact
Pact is a national charity which supports people affected by imprisonment.
Prisoners’ Families Helpline
Information for families on all aspects of the criminal justice system in England and Wales from arrest through to release.
Support in Europe
Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE)
A European-wide initiative on behalf of children with an imprisoned parent.
Voluntary Organisations involved in the Criminal Justice System
Action On Violence
Resource for practitioners working on violence reduction, capturing good practice from local initiatives and identifying contacts.
Apex Scotland
Addressing the employability of ex-offenders.
M.O.J.O.
The Miscarriages of Justice Organisation is a human rights organisation dedicated to assisting innocent people both in prison and after their release.
Sacro
Sacro helps create safer and more cohesive communities across Scotland e.g. providing conflict resolution that prevents disputes from escalating and supporting prisoners on release.
Scottish Child Law Centre
Free legal advice for and about kids - we can help you with any questions about the law. Promote knowledge and use of Scots law and children's rights.
Victim Support Scotland
The lead voluntary organisation in Scotland helping people affected by crime.
Victim Support Scotland - Witness Service
Help for witnesses via the Victim Support Scotland website.
Voluntary Organisations Providing Wider Support
Families Need Fathers
Families Need Fathers Seek to obtain, for the children, the best possible blend of both parents in the lives of children.
One Parent Families Scotland
Promote supportive policies and services for lone parents and their children in Scotland.
Parenting Across Scotland
Focus on issues affecting parents and work to find ways of supporting parents and families.
Relationships Scotland
Promoting, developing and coordinating confidential counselling for couples in Scotland.
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs
A national helpline for the parents and families of drug misusers.
Scottish Women Aid
The lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse. They play a vital role campaigning and lobbying for effective responses to domestic abuse.
Shelter
Advice and support on housing issues and homelessness.