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<p>We fully acknowledge the importance of family contact for those in custody, in
line with the recommendations of Lord Farmer’s Reviews. This is why, following the
necessary suspension of prison visits in March to keep prisoners, their families and
staff safe during the pandemic, we introduced a range of measures including the introduction
of secure video calls.</p><p>As of 28 September, we have live services operating in
103 out of the 110 establishments in scope of the roll-out. The seven prisons which
have not yet been able to go live are: HMPs Hollesley Bay, Kirkham, Leyhill, Swaleside,
The Mount, Warren Hill and, Oakhill Secure Training Centre. These establishments have
all taken receipt of the necessary equipment and staff have been trained. However,
they have experienced networking and connectivity issues and, in some cases, have
had to wait for broadband upgrades to the establishments as a whole. They are currently
undertaking test calls and expect to go live as soon as possible.</p>
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