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 Laurel Highlands.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about SCI Laurel Highlands

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 Laurel Highlands.

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

   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 Laurel Highlands?

   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 Laurel Highlands. 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 Laurel Highlands. 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 Laurel Highlands?

   Mailing address:

   SCI Laurel Highlands
   5706 Glades Pike
   Somerset, PA 15501
   Phone: (814) 445-6501

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at SCI Laurel Highlands?

   Visiting hours at SCI Laurel Highlands 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 (814) 445-6501 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 Laurel Highlands?

   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 Laurel Highlands for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at SCI Laurel Highlands 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 Laurel Highlands?

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

   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 Laurel Highlands 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 Laurel Highlands, 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 State Correctional Institution at Laurel Highlands operates as Pennsylvania’s specialized provider for inmates with medical special needs, offering comprehensive long-term care, personal care services, wheelchair accessibility, dialysis treatment, and geriatric care programs. This medical focus shapes much of the facility’s programming approach, as residents receive both healthcare services and rehabilitation opportunities designed to support their comprehensive needs. The facility also serves as a programming institution for the State Drug Treatment Program and Short Sentence Parole, providing intensive substance abuse treatment and preparation for community reintegration.

Educational and vocational programming at SCI Laurel Highlands may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities that accommodate residents with varying physical abilities and medical needs. The facility’s Community Work Program allows eligible inmates to contribute to the surrounding Somerset County community through painting, landscaping, cleaning, concrete work, and litter removal projects with government agencies and non-profit organizations. These work opportunities typically provide valuable job skills and community connection while serving local needs.

Support services focus heavily on successful reentry through the facility’s Reentry Service Office, which provides information and services to inmates within 18 months of their minimum or release date. Reentry Parole Agents work with residents to develop comprehensive release plans that address housing, employment, healthcare continuity, and community support systems. The facility may also offer counseling services, substance abuse programming beyond the specialized drug treatment program, religious services, and recreational activities adapted to meet the needs of residents with medical conditions and mobility limitations.

Daily Life & Visitation

Inmates at SCI Laurel Highlands wake each morning within housing units that feature both traditional cells and dormitory-style accommodations, reflecting the facility’s role as Pennsylvania’s primary medical special needs institution. The converted Somerset State Hospital property, which opened as a correctional facility in July 1996, maintains specialized medical facilities including skilled care units, personal care services, and dialysis treatment areas that shape the daily rhythm for many residents requiring ongoing healthcare.

The structured day typically begins with count procedures and meal service, followed by work assignments that may include participation in the Community Work Program, where eligible inmates contribute to local government agencies and non-profit organizations through painting, landscaping, cleaning, and maintenance projects throughout Somerset County. Educational and treatment programming occupies significant portions of the schedule, particularly for those enrolled in the State Drug Treatment Program or Short Sentence Parole initiatives. Medical appointments and specialized care services are integrated throughout daily routines for inmates requiring long-term care, wheelchair assistance, or geriatric services.

Family connections remain vital to daily life through the facility’s visitation program and money transfer services available to inmates. Those approaching release dates within 18 months may access Reentry Service Office programs designed to ease community reintegration. The facility’s 52 acres inside the perimeter and nine housing units accommodate the diverse needs of the population, while the 598 full-time staff members help maintain security and provide essential services across the institution’s 35 operational structures.