SCI Forest is a state prison located in Marienville, Pennsylvania. It was opened in October 2004 and is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The entire facility is situated on a 64-acre compound and consists of 26 buildings, including 11 housing units, three inmate dining halls, a hospital, an education and religious complex, a warehouse, a utility plant, and an administration building.
SCI Forest is primarily a medium-security facility that houses adult men. The prison has a capacity of 2,594 inmates and employs over 600 staff members. In addition to its housing units, SCI Forest has two large recreational yards and individual recreation areas for each housing unit. The facility also offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to its inmates, including GED classes, vocational training, and drug and alcohol treatment programs.
Overall, SCI Forest plays an important role in Pennsylvania’s correctional system by providing a secure and safe environment for its inmates while also offering rehabilitation and educational opportunities to help them successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,594 |
| Physical Address | 286 Woodland Drive Marienville, PA 16239 |
| Mailing Address | Smart Communications/PADOC Inmate Name/Inmate Number Institution PO Box 33028 St Petersburg, FL 33733 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (814) 621-2110 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
SCI Forest is a state prison located in Marienville, Forest County, Pennsylvania. It is one of the newest prisons in the state, having opened in October 2004. The facility is designed to house adult male inmates and is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
Location
SCI Forest is situated in the town of Marienville, which is located in the western part of Pennsylvania. The facility is surrounded by a dense forest, which gives it a secluded and peaceful atmosphere. The prison is easily accessible by car, and there is ample parking available for visitors.
Capacity
The prison has a total capacity of 2,594 inmates, making it one of the larger prisons in the state. The facility is divided into 11 housing units, each of which can accommodate up to 196 inmates. In addition to the housing units, there are also three inmate dining halls, a hospital, an education and religious complex, a warehouse, a utility plant, and an administration building.
Facilities
The prison is equipped with a range of facilities that are designed to meet the needs of its inmates. Each housing unit has its own recreation area, and there are also two large recreational yards on the grounds. In addition, the prison offers a range of educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
Overall, SCI Forest is a modern and well-equipped facility that provides a safe and secure environment for its inmates. The prison is staffed by a team of experienced professionals who are committed to maintaining a high standard of care and rehabilitation for the inmates in their custody.
Inmate Information
Housing Units
SCI Forest is comprised of 11 housing units, each with individual recreation areas. The housing units are designed to accommodate different custody levels, ranging from minimum to maximum security. Inmates are assigned to housing units based on their custody level and program needs.
Inmate Name and Number
The Inmate/Parolee Locator database maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections contains information about each inmate currently under the jurisdiction of the department. Inmates at SCI Forest are assigned a unique inmate number upon arrival at the facility. Friends and family members can use the Inmate/Parolee Locator to find an inmate’s name and number.
Visiting Hours
In-person visitation at SCI Forest resumed in June 2021. Visitors must schedule visits in advance and follow a set of rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the visiting hours to allow time for processing. Visitors who arrive late may be denied entry into the facility. Inmates are allowed a maximum of two visitors at a time, and visitors must provide valid photo identification at the time of the visit.
Inmate information is confidential and protected by law. Visitors who have questions about an inmate’s status or location should contact the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections directly.
Education and Vocational Programs
SCI Forest offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire new skills and knowledge that can help them succeed once they are released. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their chances of finding employment and lead productive lives.
Academic Education
SCI Forest offers a range of academic education programs, including GED preparation classes and courses that allow inmates to earn college credits. Inmates can take courses in a variety of subjects, including English, math, science, and social studies. These courses are taught by qualified instructors and are designed to help inmates improve their literacy and numeracy skills.
Vocational Education
SCI Forest offers a number of vocational education programs that allow inmates to learn valuable job skills. These programs include auto technology, barber school, computer-aided drafting, electricity, and construction building trades. Inmates can also take courses in horticulture and culinary arts. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to find employment in a variety of industries.
Special Programs
SCI Forest also offers a number of special programs designed to help inmates develop important life skills. One such program is ACT 143 Victim Awareness, which teaches inmates about the impact of their actions on their victims and helps them develop empathy and understanding. Another program is Offense Related Thinking for a Change, which helps inmates identify the thought patterns that led to their criminal behavior and teaches them new ways of thinking that can help them avoid future criminal activity.
Overall, the education and vocational programs offered by SCI Forest are designed to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed once they are released. These programs are an important part of the rehabilitation process and can help reduce recidivism rates.
Work Programs
SCI Forest offers various work programs for inmates to gain valuable skills and contribute to society. These programs include the Community Work Program and the PennDOT Agility Program.
Community Work Program
The Community Work Program allows inmates to work on projects that benefit the community. Inmates can work on projects such as cleaning up parks, maintaining public facilities, and assisting with disaster relief efforts. This program not only benefits the community but also provides inmates with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
PennDOT Agility Program
The PennDOT Agility Program provides inmates with training and certification in various fields related to transportation. This program is designed to prepare inmates for careers in the transportation industry upon their release. Inmates can receive training in areas such as heavy equipment operation, welding, and diesel mechanics.
Through these work programs, SCI Forest aims to provide inmates with the skills and experiences they need to successfully reintegrate into society. These programs also benefit the community by providing much-needed assistance and services.
Inmate Communication and Mail
Inmates at SCI Forest have access to various forms of communication, including mail and email, to stay in touch with their loved ones. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC) has partnered with Smart Communications to provide electronic messaging services for inmates.
Smart Communications/PADOC
Smart Communications is a technology company that provides messaging services to correctional facilities across the United States. Inmates at SCI Forest can use Smart Communications to receive electronic messages from their loved ones. All messages are subject to review by the PADOC for appropriate content. Inmates must have funds in their accounts to access the messaging service.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at SCI Forest can receive mail from their loved ones. The mailing address for SCI Forest is:
Smart Communications/PADOC
Inmate Name/Inmate Number
Institution
PO Box 33028
St Petersburg, FL 33733All incoming mail is subject to inspection for contraband and inappropriate content. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages from their loved ones, but they can receive publications directly from the publisher. Publications must be sent directly from the publisher to the inmate’s mailing address.
In conclusion, inmates at SCI Forest have access to various forms of communication, including electronic messaging and mail, to stay in touch with their loved ones. All forms of communication are subject to review by the PADOC for appropriate content and are inspected for contraband and inappropriate material.