Your First Video Visit with Someone at SCI Mahanoy: Step‑by‑Step
Your first video visit can feel like a lot—accounts, confirmation emails, timing windows. But once you get everything set up, joining is usually straightforward, and you can focus on the conversation itself.
Video visits at SCI Mahanoy must be scheduled in advance through the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Inmate Visitation System (IVS) at https://inmatevisitation.cor.pa.gov. No scheduled slot means no visit - you can't hop on last-minute. Handle the scheduling first, then worry about the tech.
You'll need a Keystone Account to use IVS. This is the login Pennsylvania uses to verify your identity and authorize your access. Budget a few extra minutes the first time to register. After that, you'll use the same Keystone login whenever you manage visits.
Before troubleshooting logins or waiting on confirmation emails, confirm you're listed as an approved visitor for the person you want to see. If you're not on their authorized list inside the visitation system, you'll hit a dead end when you try to book or join.
How to Join
- ✓ Log into your IVS account and select the Video Call URL for your scheduled visit
- ✓ Click the URL link emailed to you for that visit
- ✓ Open the Zoom app and use the meeting ID and password provided in the visitation email
Whatever method you use to join, take a moment beforehand to check your device. Camera working? Microphone on? Connection stable? If you're using Zoom, open the app a few minutes early - you don't want to be stuck installing updates when your visit starts.
Don't join too early. PA DOC guidance says to connect no more than 3–5 minutes before your scheduled start time - visits are stacked back-to-back. When your visit ends, hang up right away so the next one can begin on time.
Video visits are 45 minutes long. Make sure your phone/tablet is charged (or plugged in) so you’re not scrambling for a charger halfway through.
Privacy heads-up: Video visits are monitored and recorded, except visits with legal counsel. Keep that in mind and avoid sharing anything you wouldn’t want reviewed later.
Device Checklist
- ✓ A device you can use for the visit (phone, tablet, or computer)
- ✓ A working camera and microphone (best experience)
- ✓ Reliable internet (Wi‑Fi or strong cellular data)
- ✓ Enough battery for a full 45‑minute call (or plug in your device)
- ✓ Your visit details handy (the IVS Video Call URL, or the email with the link/meeting ID and password)
Even if your setup isn't perfect, you may still be able to connect. For example, some people can see and hear but can't be heard if their microphone isn't working. Test your audio settings before the visit starts - it's worth the extra minute.
If SCI Mahanoy cancels a scheduled visit, IVS will email the address tied to your account. Check there first if your loved one doesn't appear at the start time or if your link suddenly stops working.
- Check your IVS account and email - Look for cancellation messages and re-check the visit details (link, meeting ID, password) associated with your IVS email address.
- Try joining again the right way - Use the IVS Video Call URL, the emailed URL, or Zoom with the meeting ID/password from the email.
- Reach out if you still have questions - Contact your loved one’s facility, or email PA DOC Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.
Running into technical problems - frozen video, no sound, a link that won't open? Try the simplest option available. Use the emailed URL if IVS won't load, or join via Zoom with the meeting ID and password if the link won't launch. Also check the basics: Wi‑Fi strength, whether your device permissions allow camera and mic access, and whether another app is hogging your audio.
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