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 SCI Benner Township.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at SCI Benner Township 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 SCI Benner Township.

Frequently asked questions about SCI Benner Township

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 SCI Benner Township.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to SCI Benner Township?

   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 SCI Benner Township?

   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 SCI Benner Township. 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 SCI Benner Township. 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 SCI Benner Township?

   Mailing address:

   SCI Benner Township
   301 Institution Dr
   Bellefonte, PA 16823
   Phone: (814) 353-3630

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at SCI Benner Township?

   Visiting hours at SCI Benner Township 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) 353-3630 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 SCI Benner Township?

   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 SCI Benner Township for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at SCI Benner Township?

   You can send money to an inmate at SCI Benner Township 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 SCI Benner Township?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At SCI Benner Township, 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 SCI Benner Township?

   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 SCI Benner Township 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 SCI Benner Township, 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

At Quehanna Boot Camp, the comprehensive approach to rehabilitation centers around three distinct programs designed to address different inmate needs and circumstances. The facility serves as the primary location for Pennsylvania’s State Drug Treatment Program (SDTP), accommodating both male and female inmates with significant substance abuse treatment needs. This program requires a minimum seven-month period of intensive treatment within the correctional setting. Additionally, the facility operates Pennsylvania’s dedicated Boot Camp Program, a six-month military-style initiative that combines discipline, cognitive therapy, work ethic development, and reentry services with a strong drug and alcohol treatment component. Eligible inmates may also participate in the Short Sentence Parole (SSP) program, all of which fall under the Justice Reinvestment Initiative established through Act 115 of 2019.

The Boot Camp Program follows a structured daily routine that typically includes physical training, work assignments, and educational opportunities for those without a high school diploma or GED. Participants, referred to as “teammates,” can earn privileges as they progress through the program, with successful completion resulting in automatic parole for the remainder of their sentence. The facility may also offer additional support services common to Pennsylvania correctional institutions, such as vocational training programs, mental health counseling, life skills workshops, and pre-release planning assistance. These comprehensive services work together to address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior while preparing inmates for successful reintegration into their communities upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Quehanna Boot Camp, teammates—as inmates are called—begin each day with physical training as part of the facility’s rigorous six-month military-style program that has been operating since June 1992. The structured routine typically includes work assignments or educational activities for those working toward their high school diploma or GED, followed by treatment services that address substance abuse issues. This disciplinary approach emphasizes building work ethic, cognitive therapy skills, and preparation for successful reentry into the community, with teammates able to earn increasing privileges as they progress through the program stages.

The facility serves as Pennsylvania’s primary location for both the Boot Camp Program and the State Drug Treatment Program (SDTP), accommodating both male and female inmates in separate housing units. Those in the SDTP may spend at least seven months in treatment, while Boot Camp participants who successfully complete their six-month program are granted automatic parole to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community. The facility operates under Pennsylvania’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative, which streamlines placement into appropriate treatment programs based on individual needs and offense history.

Families can maintain contact through the facility’s visitation program and money transfer services, though specific visiting hours and procedures may vary based on the inmate’s program participation and privilege level. The structured environment means that daily schedules are highly regimented, with limited free time between mandatory activities. Communication with the outside world typically follows standard Pennsylvania Department of Corrections policies, allowing approved phone calls and correspondence while teammates focus on the intensive rehabilitation and discipline components of their respective programs.