Before Your First Video Visit with Someone at SCI Frackville: a simple checklist

If your loved one is at SCI Frackville, they’re eligible for free PA DOC video visits. That means you can focus on getting the visit scheduled and joining smoothly, not on figuring out payment.

There's a monthly cap on video visits. Generally, an inmate can receive up to six video visits per month, including one weekend visit. The exact limit depends on custody status, so availability may look different from person to person.

Up to six visitors can join a single video visit from your side. Helpful if you're coordinating with kids, parents, or siblings.

Before your first call, check the PA DOC Inmate Visitation System (IVS) device guides for your setup - iPhone/iPad, Android, or Windows/Mac/Linux. When it's time to connect, use the visit URL from IVS (or your confirmation email). That link opens Zoom to start the visit.

1. Find your visit link - Use the URL from your automated confirmation email or from your IVS visitor account (it will be listed under upcoming visits).
2. Join at the right time - You can join up to 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. If you try earlier than that, you won’t be allowed into the visit.
3. Open the URL - Clicking the IVS/confirmation link will take you to the Zoom website.
4. Launch the meeting - Select Launch Meeting to enter the visit.
5. Enter your info - The Meeting ID should auto-fill, but you’ll need to enter your name or email address to join.

Visits last 45 minutes. If multiple people are joining from your side, get everyone ready a few minutes early - you don't want to spend the first part of the call troubleshooting.

• ✓ Join no earlier than 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• ✓ Keep the monthly limit in mind: up to six video visits per month (including one weekend visit), though limits can vary by custody status.
• ✓ Treat the 45-minute window like it’s fixed - be ready to start on time and wrap up when the visit ends.

1. Re-check your confirmation email - Your visit URL is in the automated confirmation email you received when the visit was scheduled.
2. Check IVS for the same URL - In your IVS visitor account, look under upcoming visits for the link.
3. Try the link again - The IVS/confirmation URL should route you to Zoom so you can select Launch Meeting and join.
4. Ask the right place for scheduling help - For scheduling questions or concerns, contact the facility where your loved one is incarcerated or email Central Office at RA-CRDOCINMATEVSS@pa.gov.