How to Contact an Inmate at SCI Forest, PA (PA)

SCI Forest is a large Pennsylvania state prison with a physically present population of 2,230 people on a typical day. The total institution population is 2,246. That number includes people associated with SCI Forest who aren't physically inside the facility at that moment (transfers, court appearances, etc.), so the "total" and "physically present" counts won't always match.

Key details for day-to-day contact (approved phone or messaging vendors, fees, visitation hours, mail rules) are not covered here. Before you send money for calls, mail a letter, or plan a trip, confirm the current process directly with the facility and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections resources for SCI Forest.

Steps-to-follow

• ✓ Confirm the person is currently housed at SCI Forest and not temporarily absent or in the hospital (SCI Forest lists 15 temporarily absent and 1 in the hospital).
• ✓ If you cannot reach them right away, ask the facility whether their status is “physically present” (2,230) or part of the total population count (2,246).
• ✓ Contact SCI Forest to confirm which communication methods are currently available (mail, phone, visitation) and what steps you must complete first (approvals, scheduling).
• ✓ Verify any costs, vendor requirements, and restrictions before you put money on an account or send items.

1. Ask whether they are physically at the institution today. SCI Forest distinguishes between people who are physically present and the total institution population.
2. Confirm whether they are temporarily absent. SCI Forest lists 15 people as temporarily absent, and that can affect timing for calls, mail processing, or visits.
3. Check for hospital status. SCI Forest lists 1 person in the hospital; if that applies, normal contact routines may be delayed or different.

Once you've confirmed the person is available to receive contact, verify the operational details. These can change without much notice. Ask about phone options, whether there's an electronic messaging system, how incoming and outgoing mail is handled, and whether you need to be on an approved visitor or contact list. Also confirm visiting days and hours, any scheduling steps required, and whether there are fees tied to calls, messages, or video visits. None of those specifics are covered here, so getting the current rules directly from SCI Forest is the safest way to avoid delays or rejected attempts to connect.