In-person vs. Video Visits for People at SCI Retreat: Lengths, Monthly Limits, Recording, and How to Join

• ✓ In-person visit (contact): up to 4 authorized visitors
• ✓ Video visit: up to 6 authorized visitors

Privacy matters here. All video visits with non-attorneys are audio/video recorded and can be reviewed. Attorney video visits are different - those aren't recorded. This is why some families prefer in-person visits when they can swing it, especially for personal conversations.

Visit length is one of the biggest differences. In-person contact visits last at least one hour - enough time to settle in without feeling rushed. Video visits run 45 minutes, which can still be meaningful, but you'll want to go in knowing what you want to talk about.

1. Join from your IVS account - Log into the PA DOC Inmate Visitation System (IVS) account you used to schedule, then select the Video Call URL for your scheduled visit.
2. Join from the email link - Open the visitation email for that specific visit and click the URL link provided.
3. Join in the Zoom app - Open the Zoom desktop or mobile app and use the Meeting ID and password included in the visitation email to join.

Choosing between in-person and video? Start with what matters most to you. In-person contact visits give you at least an hour and allow a brief hug and kiss at arrival and departure. The tradeoff: only up to four authorized visitors can attend at once. Video visits let a larger group join - up to six people - but they're shorter at 45 minutes. Privacy is the other big factor. Video visits with non-attorneys are recorded and may be reviewed. Attorney visits aren't recorded. If you want the most private option for a family conversation, weigh that recording rule alongside travel and scheduling. Think about your month, too. Generally, someone at SCI Retreat can receive up to four in-person visits (including one weekend visit) and up to six video visits (including one weekend visit). These quotas can shift based on operational needs, so don't save your last slot unless you're sure you can make it.

• ✓ Map out the month first - each inmate may receive up to 4 in-person visits per month and up to 6 video visits per month (each includes one weekend visit).
• ✓ Leave room for changes - visit quotas are subject to change based on operational needs.
• ✓ Pick the visit type that fits your group - in-person allows up to 4 authorized visitors; video allows up to 6.
• ✓ Don’t forget the scheduling step - both in-person and video visits must be scheduled in advance through IVS.