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 Fayette.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about SCI Fayette

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 Fayette.

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

   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 Fayette?

   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 Fayette. 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 Fayette. 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 Fayette?

   Mailing address:

   SCI Fayette
   50 Overlook Drive
   La Belle, PA 15450
   Phone: (724) 364-2200

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Saturday: 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Sunday: 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at SCI Fayette?

   Visiting hours at SCI Fayette 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 (724) 364-2200 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 Fayette?

   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 Fayette for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at SCI Fayette 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 Fayette?

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

   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 Fayette 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 Fayette, 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

Through its Pennsylvania Correctional Industries programs, SCI Fayette provides substantial vocational training opportunities that prepare inmates for post-release employment. The facility operates a License Plate Factory that employs approximately many individuals in producing aluminum license plates and special organizational plates for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, while the Metal Factory engages many individuals in manufacturing metal products including cabinets, shelves, security benches, and furniture used throughout correctional facilities. These industries also maintain an administrative office staffed by many individuals who gain valuable experience in design work, billing, and administrative support functions.

The facility’s Community Work Program offers additional hands-on training through maintenance and groundskeeping activities, including litter collection, floor maintenance, landscaping, and general facility upkeep. SCI Fayette’s Reentry Service Office plays a crucial role in supporting inmates’ transition back to the community by providing information and services designed to improve reintegration outcomes. This office typically coordinates with community resources and may assist with housing placement, employment connections, and benefit applications.

Beyond these specific programs, SCI Fayette may offer additional educational and therapeutic services commonly found in Pennsylvania correctional facilities. These often include adult basic education classes, GED preparation, substance abuse counseling programs, mental health services, and various life skills workshops. The facility may also provide religious services, recreational activities, and specialized programming designed to address individual rehabilitation needs and reduce recidivism rates upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

At SCI Fayette, inmates typically begin their day with structured routines that may include work assignments at the facility’s Pennsylvania Correctional Industries operations. Those employed at the License Plate Factory start early shifts producing aluminum license plates for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, while others report to the Metal Factory where they manufacture furniture and security equipment used throughout the state correctional system. Administrative workers support these operations with design work and billing functions, creating a workplace environment that often provides valuable job skills and structure to the daily schedule.

The facility’s 11 housing units accommodate inmates across the 53-acre secured perimeter, with daily life typically revolving around scheduled meals, recreation periods, and educational or treatment programs. Inmates may participate in the Community Work Program, which involves maintenance tasks like grounds keeping and facility upkeep. The Reentry Service Office works with inmates approaching release to provide transition planning and community reintegration support, often scheduling meetings and assessments as part of the daily routine for those nearing their release dates.

Family connections remain an important part of daily life through the facility’s visitation program and communication systems. Inmates can typically receive visits from approved family members and friends, while also maintaining contact through monitored phone calls and correspondence. The facility’s location in southwestern Pennsylvania allows for family visits, and inmates may send and receive money through approved channels to support their basic needs and commissary purchases during their incarceration.