SCI Frackville

SCI Frackville schedules visits through the Inmate Visitation System (IVS). Before booking, you'll need to create an IVS account and be on the inmate's authorized visitor list. Scheduling lead time varies: facility instructions say at least two days in advance, while the PA DOC Visitor Guide lists a three-day minimum—check IVS for the current booking window before locking in a date. In-person contact visits are limited to four per month, with up to four visitors per visit. Contact sessions last at least one hour; video visits run 45 minutes. For video visits, you can join up to five minutes early. Use the IVS or confirmation-email link to open Zoom, select "Launch Meeting," and enter your name or email. IVS also provides device-specific setup guides. If the facility cancels, IVS emails the address on your account.

SCI Frackville provides free video visits for all inmates—up to six sessions per month, with up to six visitors per session. A privacy note: non-attorney video visits are audio/video recorded and may be reviewed, while attorney visits aren't recorded. To use remote services, create an account with the facility's approved vendor, complete identity verification, and schedule visits or purchase credits through the vendor portal. Phone calls connect to numbers in the North American Calling Plan. Calls to U.S. states can be collect or prepaid; some other areas require prepaid calling. To dial, choose a language, select collect or debit, enter the area/country code and number, then enter the inmate's IPIN. Call quantities or blocks may be limited for security or operational reasons.

SCI Frackville routes most non-privileged incoming mail through Smart Communications' central processing. Send regular letters to the Smart Communications P.O. Box in St. Petersburg, FL for scanning and delivery. Publications and photo books are different—mail those to the Security Processing Center (SPC) at the Bellefonte address, not to Smart Communications. Privileged/legal mail goes directly to SCI Frackville using the institution's legal-mail format. If you're mailing original transactional documents requiring an inmate's signature, send them to the institution's business office address so originals can be coordinated. Always include a complete, legible return address and plan for at least a week of processing time.

For visitation or IVS scheduling questions at SCI Frackville, contact the facility directly or email the PA DOC Central Office at RA-CRDOCINMATEVSS@pa.gov. Have the inmate's full name, any known aliases, and date of birth ready—it helps staff find the right record quickly. The facility's official contact page lists a main switchboard plus direct lines or emails for specific departments like records, medical, and visitation. Phone, tablet, and deposit services are managed by third-party vendors with their own support contacts, listed separately from the facility switchboard. For urgent situations like a family emergency, use the facility's contacts to reach unit staff, counselors, or the chaplain.