PRISON VISITOR MEMBER

For being a Prison Visitor, you need to apply for a pass which allows you to enter any prison in Hong Kong and have an open visit with a prisoner. Before such a pass is issued, it is necessary for the authorities to carry out a security check on you. In fact it is the same check that is applied to those who work inside the prisons. No formal qualifications are required. The main qualification is the ability to be a good friend. Initially you need to complete a preliminary application form for the PFA itself. These are obtainable from the PFA office. Also you have to sign an Authorisation Form to authorise the Police to provide criminal recorded of you to the CSD. When completing the forms, please follow the guidelines of require documents then return your forms to the PFA office. Once your application has been approved by the PFA Executive Committee, then we will send your application to the CSD to apply for a prison visitor’s pass for you. Guidance Notes For The Forms

1. This form should be completed in black or blue ball pen.
2. Except for the Chinese Name, the form should be completed in English.
3. Complete all sections. If any section is not applicable, indicate by writing 'NIL' in that section.
4. Please provide exact English Name and Full Address when completing your corresponding address, educational and employment particulars. All details should be listed in chronological order, as any intermittent omission will not be accepted (except summer vacation). Any period of "No schooling" or "Unemployment" should also be filled in.

For security reason, your application will be checked by the Security Branch of the HK Government. So the total process length of the application is in between two to four months. After your application as been approved, your pass will be sent to you within the next two weeks. Sometimes, the applicant is required by the CSD to make finger print. However, it does not happen very often.

On rare occasions a pass is refused. It seems that the CSD does not feel obliged to explain the reasons for their refusal. Should this happen to you we are deeply sorry but thankfully it does not happen very often. When you have received your pass we will then arrange for you to accompany with a experienced member to visit the prisoner until you feel comfortable going by yourself.

NOTE: Every time you make a prison visit you are entitled to claim travelling expenses from the welfare officer of the prison to which you have gone. We would strongly urge you to do so. Only the cost of public transport will be reimbursed. Please contact the welfare officer. He will give you a form to sign and the money will be either given to you in cash or paid into your bank account. If you have any problems with this, please contact the PFA office.

PEN FRIEND MEMBER

For pen friend member, you do not have to apply for a prison visitor pass. After your application has been approved by our Executive Committee, it is required for security reasons, that the CSD checks your H.K.I.D. Card number as to whether or not you have a criminal record. If not, then there should be no problem in your becoming a pen friend. Please read section 3 of this book for advice on being a pen friend.

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