Guide for families

When someone close to you goes to prison, the family faces many questions. Here is general information and advice.

Specific arrangements (opening hours, registration, permitted items, bank details) differ between institutions and change over time. Always check the Lithuanian Prison Service unit pages (in Lithuanian) before you travel or send anything.

Finding out where your relative is

To protect personal data, information about people held in an institution is not given out by phone. Write to the Lithuanian Prison Service (L. Sapiegos g. 1, LT-10312 Vilnius, info@kalejimai.lt), ask your relative’s lawyer, or wait for your relative to contact you – they have the right to inform their family of their whereabouts.

Visits

Visits are granted on a written request to the prison administration (by post or electronically), signed by the person making it.
There are short and long visits; many institutions also offer remote (video) visits.
Visits must be booked in advance by phone or through a booking system. Bring an identity document.
For people in pre-trial detention, visits may require permission from the investigating officer, prosecutor or court.

Parcels and deliveries

The frequency and weight of deliveries and the list of permitted items are set by law and internal rules. Clothing, footwear, bedding, hygiene products, books and some electrical appliances are usually allowed. Check the current rules of the institution before sending, so that the parcel is not returned.

Sending money

Money for a prisoner’s personal account is transferred to the deposit account of the Lithuanian Prison Service (or the relevant unit), stating the person’s full name and date of birth in the payment reference. Bank details are listed on the unit’s page. Never send money to third parties who promise to “sort things out” inside.

Letters, calls and video contact

Prisoners may correspond and make phone calls under the established rules. Many institutions offer e-mail and video visit services (e.g. ekalejimas.lt). Contact with family is one of the most important factors in successful return to society.

If your relative is in danger

If there is an immediate threat to life or health, call 112.
Inform the prison administration (duty officer) without delay and ask for a written reply.
Contact the Seimas Ombudspersons: +370 800 22100, ombuds@lrski.lt.
Write down everything you know: dates, times, what your relative said, who was involved.
Tell us – we will help you decide what to do next.

Look after yourself

The imprisonment of a loved one is a heavy burden for the whole family. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

Vilties linija (Hope Line) – 116 123, 24/7 emotional support for adults (in Lithuanian).
Vaikų linija (Child Line) – 116 111, support for children and teenagers.
Talk to children about a parent’s imprisonment honestly and in a way suited to their age – uncertainty is often more frightening than the truth.
In our Facebook community you will find people going through the same.

After release

Returning to society is a difficult period. Key issues: identity documents, housing, health insurance and work. Contact the municipal social services, the Employment Service and organisations running reintegration programmes.