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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections 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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

Frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Pennsylvania Department of Corrections?

   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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections?

   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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. 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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. 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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections?

   Mailing address:

   Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
   451 Fullerton Ave
   Cambridge Springs, PA 16403
   Phone: (814) 398-5400

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections?

   Visiting hours at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections 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 (814) 398-5400 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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections?

   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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections?

   You can send money to an inmate at Pennsylvania Department of Corrections 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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, 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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections?

   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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections 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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, 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

The PCI Optical Lab at SCI Cambridge Springs stands as a cornerstone of vocational training, providing inmates with comprehensive four-month certification programs that prepare them for careers in opticianry. This highly successful operation employs up to many individuals who manufacture glasses for all Department of Corrections facilities, other state agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Upon completing their vocational training, inmates may take the American Board of Opticianry examination to earn professional certification, enabling them to practice opticianry throughout the United States. The facility has successfully guided more than many individuals through this certification process, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in providing marketable skills for post-release employment.

Beyond the optical lab, SCI Cambridge Springs operates a Community Work Program that engages inmates in meaningful service projects, including Braille transcription work for community members and monthly custodial services at the National Guard Stryker Base. The facility’s Reentry Service Office provides comprehensive support to inmates within 18 months of their release date, offering information and services designed to ease the transition back into the community and improve successful reintegration outcomes. Additional programming may include educational opportunities such as GED preparation and literacy courses, substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and life skills training to address the diverse needs of the female population served at this minimum-security facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

The dormitory-style housing units and traditional cells at SCI Cambridge Springs create distinct living environments for the women housed at this minimum-security facility. Built within the renovated structures of a former college campus from the 1930s and 1940s, residents typically begin their days with early morning counts and structured meal times in the facility’s dining areas. The 40-acre interior campus provides space for movement between the six housing units and various program buildings, while the additional 85 acres outside the perimeter may include recreational areas and work sites. Women participating in the highly regarded Optical Lab program often start their workday after completing the required four-month vocational training, joining up to 25 other inmates in producing eyeglasses for correctional facilities statewide and other organizations.

Family connections remain vital to daily life, with the facility typically offering scheduled visitation periods where loved ones can meet in designated areas. The minimum-security classification often allows for more relaxed visiting conditions compared to higher-security facilities. Women may also participate in phone calls during designated hours and correspond through mail services. Those within 18 months of release frequently work with the Reentry Service Office to prepare for their transition, while others may engage in community work programs, including meaningful projects like creating Braille materials for community members or performing custodial duties at local facilities.

Educational and vocational opportunities structure much of the daily routine, with many women attending classes, participating in counseling programs, or working in facility operations. The campus setting, with its 18 operational structures spread across the grounds, provides various spaces for programming, recreation, and daily activities. Evening hours typically include personal time, additional programming, or preparation for the next day’s responsibilities, all within the structured environment designed to support rehabilitation and successful reentry into the community.