How much do calls cost in prison?
How much do calls cost in prison? Discover how much it costs to make calls from prison and the impact on prisoners and their families. Learn about both mobile and landline call rates, and explore the financial burdens faced by inmates.
Phone calls play a crucial role in maintaining contact between prisoners and their families, which is essential for emotional support and successful reintegration into society. The cost of calls from UK prisons, however, can be quite high, creating significant financial burdens for inmates and their families.
Why Are Prison Phone Calls Important?
Maintaining family ties is vital for prisoners. Studies show that strong familial bonds reduce the likelihood of reoffending, making communities safer overall. Regular communication helps prisoners stay connected, providing emotional support and reducing the feeling of isolation that can accompany incarceration.
Costs of Making Phone Calls from Prison
The cost of making phone calls from UK prisons varies depending on whether the call is made to a landline or a mobile phone. Here’s a breakdown:
- Landline Calls: During peak times (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday), calling a landline costs around 7p per minute. Off-peak calls are slightly cheaper, at approximately 6p per minute.
- Mobile Calls: Regardless of the time of day, calls to mobile phones are significantly more expensive, averaging about 13p per minute.
These costs can quickly add up, especially for inmates who wish to maintain daily contact with their loved ones. For instance, a ten-minute call to a mobile phone each day can cost around £9.10 per week, which is more than many prisoners earn through prison work.
Financial Implications for Prisoners and Families
Prisoners often rely on their earnings from prison jobs to fund phone calls. However, wages for prison jobs are relatively low, typically ranging from £5 to £12 per week, with some enhanced jobs paying up to £22 per week. Given these limited earnings, many inmates struggle to afford regular phone contact with their families.
Additionally, prisoners can receive funds from their personal accounts, which may be supplemented by friends and family. However, these contributions can place a financial strain on families already dealing with the loss of an income provider due to imprisonment.
The Impact on Family Relationships
High call costs can limit the frequency and duration of phone conversations, making it challenging for prisoners to provide emotional support and stay involved in their family’s daily lives. This limited contact can be especially difficult for children, who benefit greatly from regular communication with their incarcerated parent.
Potential Solutions and Support Systems
There are ongoing discussions about reducing the cost of prison phone calls to alleviate the financial burden on inmates and their families. Some advocacy groups and prison reform organizations are calling for lower rates to help maintain family connections, which are crucial for rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
Conclusion
Understanding the costs associated with making phone calls from prison highlights the challenges faced by inmates and their families. Reducing these costs could significantly improve the emotional well-being of prisoners and their ability to maintain supportive family relationships, ultimately contributing to lower reoffending rates.
FAQs
How much does it cost to call a landline from prison during peak hours?
- It costs approximately 7p per minute to call a landline during peak hours.
What is the cost of calling a mobile phone from prison?
- Calling a mobile phone costs around 13p per minute, regardless of the time of day.
How can prisoners fund their phone calls?
- Prisoners can use earnings from prison jobs or personal money deposited by friends and family to fund their phone calls.
Why is regular phone contact important for prisoners?
- Regular phone contact helps maintain family bonds, provides emotional support, and reduces the likelihood of reoffending.
Are there any efforts to reduce the cost of prison phone calls?
- Yes, some advocacy groups and prison reform organizations are working towards lowering the rates to help maintain family connections and support rehabilitation.
For more information on prison communication policies and support systems, visit the Prison Reform Trust.
To read more about staying in touch with inmates, check out the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice. Get cheaper prison calls. Read about the what the first night in prison is like here, First Night In Prison.
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