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 Frackville.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about SCI Frackville

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 Frackville.

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

   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 Frackville?

   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 Frackville. 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 Frackville. 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 Frackville?

   Mailing address:

   SCI Frackville
   1111 Altamont Blvd
   Frackville, PA 17931
   Phone: (570) 874-4516

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • 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 Frackville?

   Visiting hours at SCI Frackville 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 (570) 874-4516 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 Frackville?

   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 Frackville for their specific mail policies.

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

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

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

   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 Frackville 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 Frackville, 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

The Reentry Service Office at SCI Frackville plays a central role in preparing residents for successful community reintegration, working with individuals within 18 months of their release date. Reentry Parole Agents facilitate comprehensive workshops covering Life Skills, Budgeting, and Digital Literacy, while the computer lab assists residents with resume writing and job searches. This systematic approach to reentry preparation is complemented by the facility's Community Work Program, where crews engage in meaningful community service projects including park and roadway cleanup and building painting, providing residents with valuable work experience and community connections.

Educational opportunities at the facility span from foundational learning through specialized vocational training. Academic programs include Adult Basic Education, Pre-GED, GED preparation, and Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma completion. The vocational training portfolio encompasses practical skills development through programs in Custodial Maintenance, Building Trades, and NCCER Construction Safety Orientation with OSHA 10-hour Safety Certification. Additional career preparation includes Business Program training with ICDL and NOCTI Certifications, along with barbering instruction, providing residents with marketable skills for employment upon release.

The facility's Pennsylvania Correctional Industries laundry operation employs approximately 60 residents alongside staff members, offering hands-on work experience in commercial laundry services for local Department of Corrections facilities and government partners. Beyond these documented programs, SCI Frackville may offer additional support services typical of state correctional facilities, such as substance abuse counseling, mental health services, religious programming, and recreational activities. The facility's Behavioral Management Unit provides specialized housing and programming for residents requiring additional support, while the combination of cell and dormitory-style housing across six units may accommodate different security levels and program participation needs.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at SCI Frackville wake each morning in either traditional cells or dormitory-style housing units, with the facility's six housing units accommodating residents across the 35-acre secure perimeter. The institution, which opened in 1987 in Ryan Township of Schuylkill County, operates with a structured daily schedule that typically begins with count procedures and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, or vocational training opportunities.

Work assignments may include positions in the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries laundry shop, where approximately 60 inmates work alongside six staff members to process laundry for local Department of Corrections facilities and government partners. Others participate in the Community Work Program, performing maintenance tasks such as park cleanup, roadway maintenance, and building painting projects in the surrounding community. Educational opportunities are woven throughout the daily schedule, with inmates able to pursue Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, or the Commonwealth Secondary School Diploma program, while vocational training includes programs in custodial maintenance, building trades, barbering, and business skills with various certifications available.

For inmates within 18 months of their release date, daily life often includes participation in reentry programming through the facility's Reentry Service Office, where they may attend workshops on life skills, budgeting, and digital literacy. The computer lab provides opportunities for resume writing and job searching to prepare for community reintegration. Throughout their stay, inmates can maintain family connections through the facility's visitation program and money transfer services, which help preserve important relationships during incarceration. Evening hours typically include recreational activities, additional programming, or personal time before the final count of the day.