How to Schedule Your First Visit at SCI Dallas: In-Person vs. Video

Scheduling your first visit at SCI Dallas starts with Pennsylvania's Inmate Visitation System (IVS), which runs through a Keystone Login. Both in-person and video visits use the same system. Every visit has to be booked at least 3 days ahead but no more than 60 days out.

First, create a Keystone Login. IVS uses Keystone to verify your identity. Once you're signed in, you'll use IVS to schedule and join your visit, whether you're planning to see your loved one in person or by video.

• ✓ Double-check that you are signing in with the same email you used to create your Keystone Login
• ✓ If you cannot sign in, use the Keystone password reset options and try again
• ✓ If IVS is not letting you proceed after login, sign out completely and sign back in to refresh your session

Before you can schedule anything in IVS, you need to add the inmate to your account. At SCI Dallas, that only works if you're already on the inmate's authorized visitors list. Every visitor age 18 or older must also have their own IVS account. Don't plan on one adult scheduling for another adult under the same login.

Minors don't need their own IVS account. You add them under a parent or guardian's account instead. If a child will be participating, have the required DC-313 form available, either when you add the child to the visitor account or to bring with you on visit day.

1. Confirm you are on the authorized visitors list. IVS will only let you add the inmate to your account if you are already approved to visit.
2. Create an IVS account if you are 18 or older. Each adult visitor needs their own account to schedule a visit.
3. Add the inmate to your IVS account. Once the inmate is linked to your account, you can see available visit options.
4. Add minors under the parent or guardian account. Children do not create their own accounts, but they still need to be properly added under an adult.

Choose Type Group

• ✓ In-person visit: up to 4 authorized visitors
• ✓ Video visit: up to 6 authorized visitors

Trying to include more people? Video visits allow a larger group (up to six). For a smaller group, an in-person visit may be the better fit. Either way, everyone participating needs to be an authorized visitor for the visit type you choose.

SCI Dallas has a strict scheduling window in IVS. You must book at least 3 days in advance, and you can't schedule more than 60 days out.

• ✓ General population: up to 6 video visits per month
• ✓ General population: up to 4 in-person visits per month

1. Install Zoom Cloud Meetings before your visit. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store on your phone or tablet.
2. Do a quick test run. Open the app once so you know it loads properly and you can sign in or enter a meeting when it is time.
3. Join from a stable device and connection. Plan to use the same phone or tablet you tested so you are not troubleshooting at the last second.

Recording rules for SCI Dallas video visits depend on who the visitor is. Non-attorney video visits are audio and video recorded and can be reviewed by the facility. Attorney video visits are not recorded.

Troubleshoot Contact

• ✓ If you cannot schedule within IVS, confirm you are booking inside the 3 to 60 day window
• ✓ If the system will not let you add the inmate, the most common reason is that you are not on the authorized visitors list yet
• ✓ If Keystone Login is blocking you, reset your password and try signing in again
• ✓ For IVS problems you cannot fix (account, linking, or scheduling issues), contact the facility for help

Before submitting your first visit request, make sure the inmate has you listed as an authorized visitor. IVS depends on that approval to link you. If a child will be included, have the DC-313 form ready so you're not scrambling at scheduling time or on visit day.