Communication with a Prisoner in Victoria

In Victoria, inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Instead, they must nominate individuals to be added to their approved phone contact list. To be added, families must provide:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Full address
• Phone number

Once this information is processed, prison staff will contact the nominated person to confirm consent to be contacted. All prison calls are capped at 12 minutes, and most are recorded and monitored, so avoid discussing legal strategy or sensitive issues over the phone.

Encourage your loved one to call a landline where possible, calls to mobiles cost significantly more.

Visiting a Loved One in Prison

To arrange a visit, the prisoner must first add the visitor to their approved visitor list. You cannot simply turn up at the prison.

You need to take 100 points of ID (e.g. a passport and Medicare card, or driver’s licence and bank card) along with your confirmation of the visit booking (if required by the prison).

Arrive early to allow for check-in, security screening, and potential delays. For up-to-date information on prison visit policies, visit the Corrections Victoria website.

Finding Out Where Someone Is Being Held

If you’re unsure of which facility your loved one is in, you can contact the Corrections Victoria Prisoner Location Service at:

Phone: 1300 191 835

Email: prisoner.locations@justice.vic.gov.au

You’ll need to provide the person’s full name and date of birth. For privacy reasons, information will only be released if the prisoner consents.

Sending Mail to a Prisoner

Letters are one of the few consistent ways to stay in touch. They must include:

• Full name of the prisoner
• Prisoner ID number (if known)
• Name and address of the prison

All mail is opened and screened by prison staff (except legal mail from a lawyer), so avoid discussing sensitive topics or including unauthorised items. You can find mailing addresses for all Victorian prisons on the Corrections Victoria website.

Financial Support and Essentials

Most Victorian prisoners have access to a canteen system where they can buy toiletries, snacks, and basic supplies. Families can deposit money into their account via:

• Online services such as Secure Payment Services (SPS)
• Post office deposits using a barcode form provided by the prison

Adding funds helps your loved one maintain some autonomy and comfort while in custody.

Support Services for Families of Prisoners

Supporting someone in prison can take a toll on families emotionally, financially, and socially. Fortunately, several services provide specialised support:

Prison Network: https://prisonnetwork.org.au/

VACRO (Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders): https://www.vacro.org.au/

SHINE for Kids: https://shineforkids.org.au/

Beyond Blue (for mental health support): https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Legal Guidance and Advocacy

Navigating imprisonment isn’t just emotional, it often involves ongoing legal matters. From bail applications to sentence appeals, legal guidance can make a significant difference.

The team at Emma Turnbull Lawyers appear in courts across Victoria and provides strategic defence for serious charges. The team understands the pressures faced by families and works collaboratively to ensure clients and their loved ones are informed and supported.

Final Word

Imprisonment affects more than just the person behind bars, it impacts entire families. Knowing what to expect, who to contact, and how to stay connected can make the experience more manageable.

If your loved one has been charged or is serving a sentence and you need legal advice or practical support, contact Emma Turnbull Lawyers for expert representation and compassionate guidance. Contact us today to find out how we can help.