How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at LSCI - Allenwood.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at LSCI - Allenwood is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of LSCI - Allenwood.

Frequently asked questions about LSCI - Allenwood

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by LSCI - Allenwood.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to LSCI - Allenwood?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at LSCI - Allenwood?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at LSCI - Allenwood. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at LSCI - Allenwood. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of LSCI - Allenwood?

   Mailing address:

   LSCI - Allenwood
   2 US-15
   Allenwood, PA 17810
   Phone: (570) 547-1990

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at LSCI - Allenwood?

   Visiting hours at LSCI - Allenwood vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (570) 547-1990 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to LSCI - Allenwood?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with LSCI - Allenwood for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at LSCI - Allenwood?

   You can send money to an inmate at LSCI - Allenwood through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at LSCI - Allenwood?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At LSCI - Allenwood, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at LSCI - Allenwood?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact LSCI - Allenwood for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at LSCI - Allenwood, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at FCI Allenwood Medium, where inmates engage in comprehensive services designed to prepare them for successful community reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to personal development, recognizing that meaningful change occurs through sustained participation in structured activities that build both practical skills and emotional resilience. This philosophy guides the delivery of various services that address educational gaps, develop marketable job skills, and foster personal accountability.

Educational and vocational services may provide inmates with essential foundations for post-release success. The facility often includes education programs that allow participants to pursue basic literacy, GED preparation, and post-secondary coursework to address educational deficiencies. Furthermore, vocational education services typically focus on hands-on training in marketable trades, with automotive repair representing a key component of the technical training offerings. These services often emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling inmates to develop competencies that translate directly into employment opportunities upon release.

Therapeutic communities and specialized support services complement the educational framework by addressing underlying behavioral patterns and personal challenges. These structured environments typically provide intensive group counseling and peer support systems that promote accountability and positive lifestyle changes. Furthermore, the facility may offer arts and crafts activities that serve both as recreational outlets and creative expression opportunities, while communication skills development helps inmates improve their interpersonal abilities and conflict resolution techniques. These support services often work in conjunction with other programming to create a comprehensive approach to personal transformation and community preparation.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete and steel corridors of FCI Allenwood Medium shape every aspect of daily existence, with housing units that accommodate multiple inmates in shared living spaces. Inmates now follow a structured routine that begins with early morning counts, regularly scheduled meals, and designated periods for work assignments, educational programming, and recreation. The facility typically operates on a predictable schedule that provides inmates with a framework for adapting to institutional life while maintaining necessary security protocols.

Living accommodations generally consist of multi-person cells or dormitory-style housing units where inmates share space with roommates. Furthermore, the dining hall serves meals at designated times, with inmates often gathering in large groups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Personal property allowances usually include basic clothing, hygiene items, and limited personal effects that can be stored in designated areas. The commissary typically provides additional items for purchase, allowing inmates to supplement their basic necessities with approved goods and snacks.

Although the environment may seem restrictive, various programs provide structure and opportunities for personal development. Work assignments often include facility maintenance, food service, and administrative support roles that help inmates develop skills while contributing to daily operations. Recreation typically includes access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness facilities, and organized sports activities. Visitation policies generally allow for regular family contact through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, helping inmates maintain important connections with their support systems outside the facility.