34 npm annual report 2016 /observations and recommendations • Prisoners were unable to apply for permission for a child’s visit in advance. At the beginning of the visit, the supervising warder would select the prisoner who was allowed to meet his or her child in the visiting room. (Turku) The Deputy-Ombudsman pointed out that prisoners should be able to apply for permission for such visits in advance. The prison, in turn, must examine the preconditions for the visit and issue a decision on the matter. Comment: According to the prison, the practice has been changed and prisoners are now able to apply for permission for visits in advance. • The number of prison leaves (permission of leave) granted to prisoners seemed low. According to prisoners, their sentence plans had not been updated. (Turku) The Central Administration of the Criminal Sanctions Agency was enquired about the measures it will take regarding the observations. • A prisoner serving a disciplinary punishment had been placed in an isolation cell. (Jokela) Comment: According to the prison, this was a mistake. Disciplinary solitary confinement is usually implemented in a cell reserved for the purpose. • The rules of prisons included provisions on matters that could not be regulated by prison rules. On the other hand, the rules did not include provisions on all the matters that they should (Ylitornio, Mikkeli and Oulu). Prison rules and the guide for new prisoners did not reflect the amendments to the Imprisonment Act. (Pelso) • A prison had made changes to its rules. (Mikkeli) Commnet: The Deputy-Ombudsman pointed out that prisons are not allowed to amend or approve their own rules. Instead, they need to be approved by regional directors. Prison rules have no legal effect until they have been approved. The changes introduced by the prison had an impact on the treatment of prisoners. The Deputy-Ombudsman considered the use of unapproved rules a very serious matter. The application of the rules had to be ceased immediately. The regional director approved new rules for the prison.