How to visit, scheduling, dress code, and visitor requirements
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.
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
First video visits are stressful for one reason: you don't want tech problems eating into your time. This checklist helps you get set up, join on time, and know what to expect.
Visits at SCI Frackville are scheduled through the Pennsylvania DOC Inmate Visitation System (IVS). This applies to both in-person and video visits.
Scheduling your first visit at SCI Frackville is straightforward once you handle two essentials: create an IVS account and get on the inmate's authorized visitor list.
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.
1. **Open your IVS visit link again** — Go back to the automated confirmation email or your IVS account and tap/click the video visit URL. 2. **Use the Zoom page to re-enter the visit** — When the link opens the Zoom website, select **Launch Meeting**. 3. **Enter the details Zoom asks for** — The Meeting ID should fill in automatically, but you’ll be prompted to type your name or email before you can join.
Schedule visits through the Inmate Visitation System (IVS) after you create an IVS account. You also must be on the inmate’s authorized visitor list before you can add the inmate and book a visit.
Use the IVS link (or the link in your confirmation email) to open Zoom, then select “Launch Meeting” and enter your name or email. You can join up to five minutes before the start time, and IVS has device-specific guides to review before your first video visit.
If SCI Frackville cancels your visit, IVS sends an automatic email to the email address linked to your IVS account.
Mail for someone at SCI Frackville doesn't go directly to the prison. Personal mail routes through Smart Communications first, so getting the address format and photo rules right matters.
Phone rules can feel confusing at first—especially when all you want is to hear your loved one's voice. Here's how calling from SCI Frackville works under Pennsylvania DOC's inmate phone system, including what types of calls are allowed, how the prompts sound, and why call times may be limited.
SCI Frackville uses different mailing routes depending on what you're sending. Send something to the wrong place and it can be delayed or rejected—so matching the mail type to the correct address saves headaches.
