How to Join and Behave on a SCI Albion Video Visit (Zoom): Connection Methods, Device Prep, and Privacy
SCI Albion video visits run through the Pennsylvania DOC Inmate Visitation System (IVS). You'll verify your identity with Keystone Login when signing in, but the visit itself happens on Zoom - so every join method ultimately launches a Zoom meeting.
One reliable option: log into your IVS account and click "Video Call URL." That link drops you into the Zoom meeting flow to launch your visit.
You can also join directly from your visitation email - just click the URL link. Keep an eye on that inbox, too. IVS sends automatic notifications about account changes and scheduled visits, so if the facility cancels, you'll get an email update at the address linked to your IVS account.
Prefer the Zoom app? You can join on desktop or mobile using the meeting ID and password from your visitation email. Handy if you'd rather type in the credentials manually instead of clicking a link.
Device Checklist
- ✓ Use a device that can get online reliably (Wi‑Fi or a stable data connection)
- ✓ Make sure your device is able to use Zoom for audio/video (camera and microphone access)
- ✓ If you’re joining from IVS, be ready to log in and select the “Video Call URL” at visit time
Note: Missing a camera or microphone? Your visit may be one-way in that direction - you might see and talk but not be seen, or be seen and hear but not be heard.
Join close to your start time - no more than 3 to 5 minutes early. Other visits are scheduled right before and after yours.
Important: Hang up as soon as your visit is concluded so you don’t interfere with the next scheduled visit.
Unless it's a legal call, assume your visit is being recorded. All video visits with non-attorneys are audio and video recorded and subject to review.
Attorney video visits are different - they're not audio or video recorded. That's one reason it matters to schedule under the correct visit type.
- Check the email tied to your IVS account - your invite link and Zoom details are sent there, and IVS also sends automatic notifications for visit/account status changes.
- Look for cancellation or status-update emails - if the facility cancels a visit, the update is sent automatically to the address on your IVS account.
- Confirm you’re checking the right inbox - the system only notifies the email address linked to your IVS account, so make sure you’re monitoring that account around visit time.
Stuck because a visit won't connect, the link won't launch, or something seems off with scheduling? Contact the facility directly. Keystone Login handles identity verification and sign-in - visit issues go through the DOC visitation process, not Keystone.
- ✓ Re-enter the meeting ID and password exactly as shown in the visitation email
- ✓ If the emailed link fails, try joining through the Zoom app using the meeting ID/password instead
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