How to Schedule Your First Video Visit at SCI Pine Grove (IVS + Zoom)
Setting up your first video visit at SCI Pine Grove takes a few steps, but it's manageable once you know the process. This guide covers IVS (Keystone Login), adding the right people to your account, scheduling within the DOC time window, and joining the visit on Zoom.
Pennsylvania DOC offers both in-person and video visits, and SCI Pine Grove uses the same system for both. If this is your first time scheduling, or you're trying to include children on a call, the biggest hurdles tend to be getting the right account set up and making sure everyone is properly added before you try to book.
One thing to know up front: you can't just hop online and connect. All in-person and video visits have to be scheduled in advance.
IVS runs through Keystone Login, which is how the state verifies your identity for visitation. Each adult visitor needs their own login. Anyone 18 or older must create their own IVS account before they can be included in a visit.
Note: If you get stuck at the login step, use the Keystone Login password reset options and follow the IVS Visitor Guide prompts for authentication.
When you add an incarcerated person to your IVS account, the system checks whether you're approved to visit. You must already be on that inmate's authorized visitors list before the system will let you add them.
If children will be participating, handle that before you schedule. Minors don't create their own IVS accounts. Instead, they should be added under a parent or guardian's account. A DC-313 form must be on file for any children participating in the visit.
Once your account is set and the right people are added, you can book the video visit. Just keep the DOC scheduling window in mind: visits must be scheduled at least 3 days in advance, and you can't schedule more than 60 days out. This applies to both in-person and video visits. Plan ahead for weekends, travel, work schedules, and any time you might need to fix an account issue before your chosen date.
- ✓ Video visits: up to 6 authorized visitors may participate
- ✓ In-person visits: up to 4 authorized visitors may participate
On the day of your visit, you can join up to 5 minutes before the scheduled start time. Clicking the IVS video visit URL opens Zoom. The Meeting ID should fill in automatically, but you'll still need to enter your name or email address to join.
Joining from a phone or tablet? Make sure you have the Zoom Cloud Meetings app downloaded and installed ahead of time. Without the app on mobile, you may not be able to join successfully.
Troubleshoot
- ✓ Install (or update) the Zoom Cloud Meetings app before your scheduled time, especially if you are on a phone or tablet
- ✓ When Zoom opens from the IVS link, enter your name or email address (the Meeting ID should auto-fill)
- ✓ Do not try to join too early. You can join up to 5 minutes before the start time
Heads up: If your IVS link isn't opening Zoom correctly, or the Meeting ID isn't populating, contact the facility for help.
For problems with your scheduled visit or your IVS account, contact SCI Pine Grove directly. For general visitation questions, you can also email PA DOC Central Office at ra-crdocinmatevss@pa.gov.
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