Independent Visitor

The Independent Visitors Service (IVS) is a volunteer-based scheme that provides an additional form of monitoring of prisons and youth detention centres in Western Australia!

Independent Visitors are appointed to a specific facility by the Minister for Corrective Services on the advice of the Inspector of Custodial Services.

About the role:

Independent Visitors visit and inspect their allocated facilities on a regular basis to monitor the standards of treatment and services delivered. They also provide people in custody an opportunity to voice complaints and concerns.

• Visits take place during office hours.
• There is no after hours or weekend work.
• A visit would normally take a few hours for the facility to be viewed and so those wishing to speak with the Independent Visitor can have access to them.
• Visitors generally spend between 3-5 hours on a visit.
• All visits are undertaken in pairs with another Independent Visitor.
• Following their visit, they are required to make a short report to the Inspector in writing, and to include in that report a record of any complaint made by or on behalf of a person in custody.

How often?

Independent Visitors attend their allocated prison or detention centre at least ONCE every three months to talk with people in custody and staff about their concerns or issues regarding the facility.

Who can apply?

We encourage people from all walks of life to consider becoming an Independent Visitor. There is no requirement to have prior experience working in prisons or youth detention centres. Appropriate training and support will be provided, and expenses such as travel reimbursed.

If you are 18+ and above, you can apply to find out more. Your eligibility will ultimately be assessed by The Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services.