How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at SCI Waymart.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at SCI Waymart is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of SCI Waymart.

Frequently asked questions about SCI Waymart

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by SCI Waymart.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to SCI Waymart?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at SCI Waymart?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at SCI Waymart. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at SCI Waymart. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of SCI Waymart?

   Mailing address:

   SCI Waymart
   11 Fairview Drive
   Waymart, PA 18472
   Phone: (570) 488-5811

5. What are the visiting hours at SCI Waymart?

   Visiting hours at SCI Waymart vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (570) 488-5811 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to SCI Waymart?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with SCI Waymart for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at SCI Waymart?

   You can send money to an inmate at SCI Waymart through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at SCI Waymart?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At SCI Waymart, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at SCI Waymart?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact SCI Waymart for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at SCI Waymart, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The Forensic Treatment Center (FTC) at SCI Waymart serves as the specialized hub for psychiatric care within the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections system, providing intensive mental health treatment for inmates who require comprehensive psychological support. This facility operates a comprehensive 50-bed Intermediate Care Unit (ICU) that bridges the gap between intensive psychiatric treatment and general population placement, offering extended care for inmates who have completed in-patient treatment but continue to need ongoing psychiatric support to manage the challenges of correctional life. The FTC may also accept inmates from surrounding county facilities through court orders when intensive psychiatric care is required.

Beyond its specialized mental health services, SCI Waymart typically provides educational programming that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities designed to prepare inmates for successful reintegration. The facility often offers substance abuse counseling programs, anger management classes, and various therapeutic interventions that complement its mental health focus. Work assignments and job training programs are commonly available, potentially including facility maintenance, food service, and other institutional operations that provide inmates with practical skills and work experience.

Support services at the facility may include religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and family visitation services that help maintain important community connections. Given its specialized role in mental health treatment, the institution likely emphasizes therapeutic programming and may offer additional counseling services, peer support groups, and transitional planning assistance to help inmates develop coping strategies and prepare for eventual release to the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the walls of Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institution at Waymart, inmates navigate a structured environment shaped by the facility’s comprehensive dual role as both a correctional institution and home to the state’s Forensic Treatment Center. The complex operates with heightened security protocols given its maximum-security designation and psychiatric treatment responsibilities, creating daily routines that balance institutional safety with therapeutic programming needs.

Inmates typically begin each day with scheduled count times and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or treatment sessions depending on their housing unit and individual needs. Those housed in the general population may participate in vocational training, educational classes, or work details that help maintain facility operations. For inmates requiring mental health services, daily schedules often include individual or group therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluations, and specialized programming designed to address their treatment needs. The facility’s Intermediate Care Unit provides a transitional environment for those who have completed intensive psychiatric treatment but continue to benefit from ongoing mental health support.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at SCI Waymart, with visitation opportunities typically available on designated days and times. Inmates may maintain contact with loved ones through the facility’s phone system and correspondence, subject to standard correctional policies and security procedures. The commissary system allows inmates to purchase approved personal items and food products, while recreational activities and religious services provide additional structure to weekly routines. Given the facility’s specialized treatment focus, many inmates also participate in therapeutic programming aimed at addressing underlying mental health conditions that may have contributed to their incarceration.