How to Schedule Your First Video Visit with Someone at SCI Rockview
Scheduling your first video visit at SCI Rockview is straightforward once you understand the system. Here's how Pennsylvania DOC's IVS works, how to book a time slot, and what to do so your Zoom visit actually connects.
Video visits for SCI Rockview go through Pennsylvania DOC's Inmate Visitation System (IVS). While the facility also offers in-person visits, IVS is where you'll schedule video calls and manage upcoming appointments. You'll log in through Keystone Login - Pennsylvania's identity verification system - before you can book or join any visit.
- Create your Keystone Login - set up your account so you can access Pennsylvania’s services that require identity verification.
- Complete Keystone’s identity verification - follow the prompts Keystone Login gives you so your identity can be verified for visitation.
- Sign in to the IVS visitor portal - once you’re logged in through Keystone Login, you’ll be able to use IVS to schedule and review visits.
Once you're in IVS, find your incarcerated person and select an available video visit time. After you submit the request, watch for the automated confirmation email - it contains the link you'll need to join. You can also check your upcoming visits in IVS, where the video visit URL will be listed.
Prepare Device
- ✓ Install the Zoom Cloud Meetings app on your Android phone or tablet (from Google Play)
- ✓ Update Zoom before your visit so you’re not stuck downloading fixes at the last minute
- ✓ Charge your phone/tablet (or plug in) so you don’t lose the call mid-visit
- ✓ Confirm Zoom has permission to use your camera and microphone
Before visit day, test your setup. Open Zoom on the device you plan to use and confirm your camera and microphone work. Pull up your confirmation email or IVS account ahead of time so you're not scrambling for the video visit URL when the clock starts.
When it's time, click the video visit URL from your confirmation email or your IVS upcoming visits. Zoom will open - click Launch Meeting to join. The Meeting ID usually fills in automatically, but you'll need to enter your name or email address when prompted before you're admitted.
Timing tip: You can join a scheduled PA DOC video visit up to 5 minutes before the start time. If you try too early, the join may fail.
Troubleshoot
- ✓ Make sure Zoom is installed (and updated) on the device you’re using
- ✓ Test your speaker, microphone, and camera before you click the visit link
- ✓ Have the video visit URL ready (from your confirmation email or IVS upcoming visits)
- ✓ If you land on Zoom’s website, select Launch Meeting to join
Getting blocked from joining? Check the clock first. PA DOC only lets you connect up to 5 minutes before the scheduled start - trying earlier can cause the connection to fail. If you're within that window and still can't get in, go back to your confirmation email or IVS upcoming visits and follow the join instructions there.
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