Video Visits at SCI Frackville: Three Ways to Join (IVS, Emailed Link, or Zoom App)
Scheduled a video visit at SCI Frackville through the PA DOC Inmate Visitation System (IVS)? You have three ways to join: through IVS directly, via the emailed link, or using the Zoom app.
To join through IVS, log into your PA DOC IVS account and open your scheduled visit. Click "Video Call URL" to launch the call. This only works for visits scheduled in advance - walk-up video visits aren't available at SCI Frackville. If you don't see an upcoming visit in your account, there's no link to launch.
Another option: click the URL link emailed to you for that specific visit. Keep an eye on the inbox tied to your IVS account - PA DOC sends automatic notifications about status changes, including cancellations.
Prefer the Zoom desktop or mobile app? You can join that way too. Find the meeting ID and password in your visit email, then enter those details in Zoom at your scheduled time. Those same emails include automatic notifications about account or visit changes, so don't ignore them.
- ✓ IVS login method - log into your PA DOC IVS account and select the Video Call URL
- ✓ Emailed URL method - click the visit URL that was emailed to you
- ✓ Zoom app method - open Zoom (desktop or mobile) and enter the meeting ID + password from your visit email
Device Checklist
- ✓ Use a device with a working camera and microphone
- ✓ Decide ahead of time how you’ll join: IVS Video Call URL, the emailed URL, or the Zoom app with the meeting ID/password
- ✓ Plan to connect a few minutes early so you’re not troubleshooting at the exact start time
Note: If your device doesn’t have a camera or microphone (or they aren’t working), switch to another phone/tablet/computer before the visit. All three join methods still rely on having a working camera and mic once the call launches.
- Log into your PA DOC IVS account - start where the visit was scheduled.
- Open your upcoming visit - look for the visit you’re trying to join.
- Use the Video Call URL from the visit details - this is a direct way to launch even if you can’t find the email.
- Confirm the email on your IVS account - visit updates and cancellations are sent to the email linked to IVS.
Missing the email with your join details? Check IVS for options to view your video-visit details again or resend the visitation email. You can also search your inbox for recent IVS notifications - status updates are sent automatically.
Need the meeting ID or password for Zoom? Both are in your visit email. If you can't find it, check your IVS visit details - the join information should be there too.
Troubleshooting and Support
- ✓ Restart your device, then try joining again
- ✓ If you’re using Zoom, update the Zoom app (desktop or mobile) and reopen it
- ✓ Check your spam/junk folders for the visit email with the URL (or the meeting ID/password)
- ✓ Try a different join method: use the IVS Video Call URL instead of the emailed link, or switch to joining through Zoom using the meeting details
Need help with scheduling? Contact SCI Frackville directly, or email PA DOC Central Office at RA-CRDOCINMATEVSS@pa.gov for scheduling questions or concerns.
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