SCI Forest, PA

Physical Address
153 Woodland DrMarienville, PA, 16239

Explore

Guides for This Facility

At a Glance

Visitation

  • Pennsylvania DOC facilities offer both in‑person and video visits scheduled through the PA Inmate Visitation System (IVS).
  • An incarcerated person must add you to their authorized visitors list before you can schedule visits.
  • Video visits require joining via the IVS link close to your scheduled time because sessions are scheduled back‑to‑back.

Communication

  • Video visits, phone calls, secure messages, and tablet services are commonly offered through third-party vendors and are regularly monitored.
  • You normally must create a visitor account with the facility’s approved vendor and complete identity verification, which may include uploading a government photo ID.
  • Facility staff control approvals and scheduling even after a vendor account is set up.

Based on official sources and community feedback. Learn how we verify

Topic Overviews

Visitation

SCI Forest offers both in-person and video visits through Pennsylvania DOC's PA Inmate Visitation System (IVS), which requires a Keystone login for scheduling and identity verification. Visitation is a privilege. Availability, rules, and visitor list eligibility can differ by housing unit and custody status. To get started, the incarcerated person needs to authorize you as a visitor first. Then you create an IVS account and complete Keystone authentication. Adults need their own accounts, while minors are added under a parent or guardian. For video visits, use the IVS link and join shortly before your scheduled time. Sessions run back-to-back, so late arrivals risk missing their slot entirely. Bring a current government photo ID showing your date of birth, and make sure the address you provide matches what's on your ID.

Communication

Remote communication at SCI Forest includes video visits, phone calls, secure messaging, and tablet-style services through third-party vendors. These services are generally monitored. To get started, create a visitor account with the facility's approved vendor, complete identity verification, and link your account to the person in custody through the vendor's portal or app. Setup typically involves uploading a government photo ID, requesting a connection, and waiting for facility staff to approve it before visits or messaging can begin. Even after your vendor account is ready, the facility controls final approval and available time slots. Most services require prepayment or credits, and payment methods and refund policies vary by vendor.

Read full guide

Common Questions

Q

How do I schedule a visit with an inmate?

First, ask the incarcerated person to add you to their authorized visitors list. Then create an IVS account and authenticate with Keystone; adults need their own accounts, and minors are added under a parent or guardian.

Visitation
Q

Can I do video visits and what should I know?

Yes. Pennsylvania DOC supports video visits scheduled through IVS. Join using the IVS link shortly before your start time. Sessions run back-to-back, so arriving late can cost you your slot.

Visitation
Q

What ID and information do I need to bring for a visit?

Bring a current government-issued photo ID that shows your date of birth. When scheduling, make sure the address you provide matches the address on your ID.

Visitation
Q

How do I set up an account to contact an inmate at SCI Forest, PA?

Start by creating a visitor account with the facility's approved vendor and completing identity verification. This may include uploading a government photo ID and a selfie. After you request to connect with the person in custody, facility staff must approve the connection before visits or messaging are allowed.

Communication
Q

Do phone calls and video visits cost money?

Usually, yes. Most vendors require prepayment or credits for calls, video sessions, or messaging. Accepted payment methods and refund policies vary, so review the vendor's terms before adding funds.

Communication
Q

Who decides if a remote visit or message is approved?

Facility staff have the final say on approving visitor connections and which time slots are available. The vendor processes your request but doesn't control approvals or scheduling.

Communication

More Guides

Ready to Connect?

Search for your loved one to start communicating today

Find an Inmate

Did You Know?

It uses the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections monthly population report dated December 31, 2025.

This guide is based on feedback from 171 families and official facility documentation. Learn how we verify