The Nature of the Debt
The debts discussed on this page are debts owed by one prisoner to another. Debts arise as a result of prisoners borrowing, lending or trading items with one another. Prison rules don’t allow this type of trading inside however it can and does take place. Prisoners may trade lower value items from their canteen or higher value items such as drugs and mobile phones. The reciprocal expectation of what will be returned to the original lender is often a lot more than was originally borrowed and can expose your loved one to manipulation or violence if the debt goes unpaid.
Debts accrued in prison often result in pressure being placed on family members to help repay the alleged debt. You may be worried that your loved one is at risk of harm as a result and feel scared of the consequences of not providing assistance.
Get Help
If you believe your loved one is in debt and may be at risk of harm you should contact the prison’s Safer Custody team. You can do this via telephone or by submitting a safer custody contact form via the Prisoners’ Families Helpline website.
If you believe someone is at imminent risk of harm then call the main prison switchboard and ask to speak to the orderly officer
It is important to encourage your loved one to access help by speaking to a member of prison staff. If the debt is drug-related there are programmes in prisons that can help your loved one tackle drug misuse if this is a contributing factor.
Set Boundaries
As much as you may want to fix the situation by sending in money, it’s important to set healthy boundaries. Your loved one may request you send them money directly or that you transfer money to another individual in the prison or in the community. Sending money without understanding the full situation can make things worse or encourage dependency. Never participate in paying back a prisoner’s debt for them. You may be putting yourself at risk from involvement in criminal activities.
Encourage Financial Responsibility
Use this time to help your loved one build better habits. If possible, help them create a budget for their prison account, prioritise essential needs, and avoid taking on new debts. Many prisons offer financial literacy programs—encourage them to participate if available.
Take Care of Yourself Too
Watching a loved one struggle with prison debt is emotionally draining. Don’t forget to take care of your own mental and financial health. You can’t control every part of your loved one’s experience, but your support, clear communication, and thoughtful decisions can make a big difference.
