Abstract

Background: Farmer (2017) recommended that the maintenance of relationships with families and significant others amongst prison populations must become the ‘golden thread’ of detention and rehabilitation. Prison Voicemail is an innovative service which supports contact with families and significant others while in prison through the exchange of voicemails.
Methods: 77 families and 81 prisoners provided feedback about Prison Voicemail using surveys. 18 family members participated in telephone interviews.
Results: The results provided evidence of the positive impact that Prison Voicemail has on prisoners and their social contacts with regard to increased contact, improved relationships, improved health and wellbeing amongst all parties, the resolution of practical issues arising and improved behavior.
Conclusions: Prison Voicemail offers a sustainable and effective method of increasing communication. This has been shown to have a positive impact on various factors important to prisoners and their family and friends.