Corrections says safety concerns are behind the ban at seven prisons, but advocacy group Pillars says something must be done so children can see their parents in person (file image). Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
An indefinite ban on face-to-face visits in some prisons will have a hugely detrimental effect, particularly on the children of prisoners, a prison advocacy group says.
Seven prisons are shut off from the public with no clear end date as the Department of Corrections scrambles to fill 500 vacancies.
Corrections cites safety concerns as the reason for the ban.
Pillars is an advocacy group for the children and whānau of those serving a prison sentence.
General manager Maxine Gay said the decision would have huge knock on effects.
Children already felt guilty for having a parent in prison, and this decision would only add a layer of trauma as they are kept away from the person they love, Gay said.
The Department of Corrections Hokai Rangi Strategy promises to centre the needs of whānau.
In particular, it promises to "create spaces and/or facilities to build and strengthen whānau relationships (including more suitable visiting times and more comfortable visiting rooms, AVL access, whānau days, and the ability for whānau to visit more often)".
Corrections had abandoned its strategy, Gay said.
"If the department had a will it would find a way to be able to allow visiting to recommence. It's unconscionable that they have not done that so far," she said.
Gay suggested fortnightly visits or a limit on the number of visitors as an alternative to a simple ban, which would ensure at least some contact for whānau.
It was also important for prisoners to have contact with family, she said.
"There is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that people who maintain contact with whānau have a much better ability to be able to reconnect and re-enter into society, and are much less likely to become recidivists.
"Everybody benefits from shorter prison sentences and more engagement, but particularly children are less harmed and less likely to follow their parent or caregiver to prison if they are able to maintain contact and see people being treated in a caring and humane way."
Corrections' ban showed a lack of humanity, Gay said.
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis said while it was his preference prisoners have face-to-face visits, safety came first.
He expected more prisons would open up to visitors before the end of the year, as job vacancies are filled.