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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at State Correctional Institution - Retreat 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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat.

Frequently asked questions about State Correctional Institution - Retreat

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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to State Correctional Institution - Retreat?

   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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat?

   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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat. 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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat. 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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat?

   Mailing address:

   State Correctional Institution - Retreat
   660 State Rte 11
   Hunlock Creek, PA 18621
   Phone: (570) 735-8754

5. What are the visiting hours at State Correctional Institution - Retreat?

   Visiting hours at State Correctional Institution - Retreat 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) 735-8754 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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat?

   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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at State Correctional Institution - Retreat?

   You can send money to an inmate at State Correctional Institution - Retreat 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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At State Correctional Institution - Retreat, 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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat?

   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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat 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 State Correctional Institution - Retreat, 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

I notice there's a mismatch in your request. You've asked me to write about SCI Retreat, but the website information provided is about SCI Huntingdon. Since I cannot access external websites or verify information about SCI Retreat specifically, I cannot write accurate content about that facility's services and programs.

If you'd like me to write about SCI Huntingdon based on the information you've provided, I'd be happy to do that. Alternatively, if you have specific website content about SCI Retreat that you'd like me to reference, please provide that information and I can create content about SCI Retreat's services and programs.

Could you please clarify which facility you'd like me to write about, or provide the correct website information for SCI Retreat?

Daily Life & Visitation

The website information provided is about SCI Huntingdon, not SCI Retreat. However, I can provide general information about daily life at Pennsylvania state correctional institutions based on typical operational patterns.

Inmates at Pennsylvania state correctional facilities typically begin their day with early morning count procedures, followed by breakfast service in designated dining areas. The daily schedule often includes work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods that may vary based on security level and individual circumstances. Housing arrangements generally consist of single or double-occupancy cells within secure housing units, with inmates following structured movement schedules throughout the facility.

Visitation opportunities are typically available on designated days and times, allowing approved family members and friends to maintain contact with incarcerated individuals. These visits often require advance scheduling and adherence to specific dress codes and identification requirements. Communication with the outside world may also include monitored telephone calls and correspondence, subject to facility security protocols.

The institution likely offers various programs that may include educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities designed to support rehabilitation goals. Meals are typically served at scheduled times in dining facilities, and inmates often have access to commissary services where they can purchase approved personal items. Daily routines are generally structured around security procedures, including regular count times and controlled movement between different areas of the facility.