DJI: visits and leave possible at all locations
The Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI: Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen) will be extending the options for visits and leave, from 16 June on. Visits will be possible at all prisons, using plexiglass barriers. Visitors may also bring along a child aged four or younger. Those detained under a hospital order and young offenders will see their leave extended from one hour to two hours every week. In addition to being able to welcome parents and legal representatives, young offenders may also receive other visitors. Other measures will continue to apply, such as controlling the inflow and outflow of detainees.
The coronavirus measures started to be eased on 2 June. A trial began in three prisons involving receiving visitors from behind plexiglass barriers, while visits and leave were once again possible on a small scale at forensic psychiatric treatment clinics and custodial institutions for youth. The initial experiences were promising, with no new infections among detainees at the pilot locations. Visitors and detainees are abiding by the rules and are happy that visits and leave are possible again. Thanks to these positive experiences, the next step can now be taken in extending visits and leave.
Easing of measures as of 16 June:
- In all penal institutions where the required measures for receiving visitors responsibly have been taken, visits will once again be permitted (a maximum of one visitor for one hour every week).
- Visitors may bring along one child aged four or younger. The child must remain seated in their companion's lap.
- Incidental leave, such as for study purposes, can now also be extended.
- Leave at forensic psychiatric treatment clinics and custodial institutions for youth will be extended from one hour to two hours every week. At custodial institutions for youth other visitors are allowed besides parents and legal representatives.
- Supervised leave at forensic psychiatric treatment clinics and custodial institutions for youth will be gradually extended. Wherever possible, unsupervised leave for work and school will be permitted.