Understanding SCI Somerset’s monthly visit limits: how many in-person and video visits are allowed

SCI Somerset allows up to four in-person (contact) visits per inmate each month, and at least one of those must fall on a weekend. Video visits are counted separately. General population inmates can receive up to six video visits per month.

In-person contact visits last at least one hour. Save these for conversations that need more time, and arrive early enough to clear check-in so you're not cutting into your visit.

Video visits run 45 minutes. They're a solid way to stay connected between in-person weekends, but the time goes fast. Pick a few topics ahead of time (updates from home, kids' schedules, paperwork questions) and keep the call focused.

How often someone can schedule visits depends on their housing status and the timeslots available for their unit. If you're seeing fewer options than expected, or you're unsure how a particular status affects visits, check directly with SCI Somerset before locking in your plans.

Practical Planning Tips

• ✓ Treat the in-person limit as a monthly budget: you have up to four contact visits total, and at least one of those needs to be on a weekend.
• ✓ If you have out-of-town family coming, reserve your weekend in-person visit early so it does not get used up by a weekday visit.
• ✓ Use in-person contact visits for longer, more complicated conversations since they are at least one hour.
• ✓ Use 45-minute video visits for shorter check-ins, quick updates, and staying connected during weeks you cannot travel.
• ✓ Keep a simple running count (notes app or calendar): how many in-person visits you have used this month (out of four) and how many video visits you have used (out of six for general population), so you do not accidentally schedule yourself into a cap.