Getting Your Child on the Visitor List at SCI Laurel Highlands: DC-313 & Authorized Visitors

PA DOC requires a completed DC-313 (Visitor Inquiry) for every child who will participate in a visit. This is the rule that stops families at the door when they assume a minor can be added last-minute. Handle the DC-313 early - before you plan the trip.

The other piece is the authorized visitors list. To add the incarcerated person to your IVS (Inmate Visitation System) account and schedule visits, you must already be on their authorized visitors list. Get the adult visitor squared away first, then make sure the child's DC-313 is also complete.

Don't create an IVS login for your child. Minors can't have their own registered IVS account - they need to be added under a parent or guardian's account instead.

Once your account is set up, all visits - in-person and video - must be scheduled through IVS. No walk-ins. You'll need to book at least 3 days in advance, and you can't schedule more than 60 days out. For in-person visits, up to four authorized visitors can be included.

1. Plan on a DC-313 for any child who will visit - a completed DC-313 (Visitor Inquiry) must be present for any child participating.
2. Treat it as a required “before you schedule” item - if the DC-313 piece isn’t handled for the child, it can derail the visit even if everything else is ready.

1. Make sure you’re eligible to connect to the inmate in IVS - you must be on the inmate’s authorized visitors list before you can add the inmate to your IVS account.
2. Ensure the child’s DC-313 requirement is satisfied - a completed DC-313 must be present for any child participating in the visit.
3. Only schedule once both pieces are true - when the adult visitor is authorized and the child’s DC-313 is in place, you’re in the best position to add the right people to the visit without surprises.

For the record, the official name is DC-313 - that's the "Visitor Inquiry" form. The authorized visitors list is managed through the DOC's authorized visitor list process, which falls under DC-ADM visiting policies. Knowing the correct form name helps when you're following up on status or asking what paperwork is missing.

• ✓ Confirm you are on the inmate’s authorized visitors list (required to add the inmate to your IVS account)
• ✓ Make sure a completed DC-313 (Visitor Inquiry) is present for each child who will participate

Even with paperwork complete, you still need to schedule through IVS - both in-person and video visits require advance booking. Plan around the timing rules: book at least 3 days ahead, but no more than 60 days out. For in-person visits, you can include up to four authorized visitors.