How to Schedule a Visit at SCI Retreat: Keystone Login & IVS (Step-by-Step)

SCI Retreat (and all Pennsylvania DOC facilities) offers both in-person and video visits. There are no walk-ins. Every visit must be scheduled in advance through the Inmate Visitation System (IVS). Whether you're visiting on-site or by video, IVS is where you request a time slot.

IVS uses Keystone Login to verify your identity. You'll sign in with Keystone as part of the scheduling process, so setting up your Keystone Login is the first step.

1. Create your Keystone Login - IVS uses Keystone Login to verify visitor identity, so you will need a Keystone Login to access the system.
2. Use the same identity details you will use for IVS - your IVS visitor account needs a valid name, date of birth, and address, and that information is used to validate you against the inmate’s authorized visitor list.
3. Sign in to IVS with Keystone - once your Keystone Login is active, use it to sign in and continue setting up your IVS visitor account.

Every visitor age 18 and older needs their own IVS account. Once you're signed in, you can add your loved one to your account only if you're already on their authorized visitors list. Being on that list is also required before you can schedule any visits.

Minors don't need separate IVS accounts. Instead, you add the child under a parent or guardian's account. A DC-313 form must be on file for any children participating in visits, and the child still needs to be properly listed as an authorized visitor when required. Adding a minor to your IVS account does not replace the authorized visitor list requirement.

• ✓ Your exact legal name, date of birth, and current address (entered the same way you will be validated)
• ✓ Confirmation you are on the inmate’s authorized visitor list (required to add the inmate and schedule)
• ✓ If a child will visit: make sure a DC-313 is present for that child before you try to schedule

IVS checks your name, date of birth, and address against the inmate's authorized visitor list. If anything doesn't match what the DOC has on file, it can delay scheduling. Can't add the inmate to your account, or your request won't go through? Go back and correct your account details first, then try again.

Here's something worth knowing: official Pennsylvania DOC sources give two slightly different lead-time rules. One DOC service page says visits must be scheduled at least two days in advance. The IVS site itself (and the Visitor Guide) says at least three days in advance, with a maximum of 60 days out. Because these sources conflict, go by whatever IVS is actually enforcing when you book. Give yourself extra time so you don't risk losing a slot.

• ✓ Plan ahead. All in-person and video visits must be scheduled in advance.
• ✓ If you can, aim to schedule at least 3 days ahead (one official source says 2 days, but IVS guidance says 3).
• ✓ Do not plan on booking more than 60 days out.
• ✓ If you are unsure, trust what IVS allows you to select at the time you schedule.

After you submit a visit request, keep checking the email address linked to your IVS account. If the facility needs to cancel your visit, the DOC will notify you by email. Use an address you check regularly so you don't miss anything.