SCI Houtzdale is a state correctional institution located in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania. It is one of several state prisons managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. The prison opened in January 1996 and is designed to house male inmates.
SCI Houtzdale provides a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The prison also has a commissary distribution operation managed by Pennsylvania Correctional Industries (PCI) that processes and distributes inmate commissary orders for nine State Correctional Institutions. Additionally, the prison has a Family Greetings project, where inmates can record a video for anyone on their visiting list for a fee and send them the DVD.
Overall, SCI Houtzdale plays an important role in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ efforts to provide safe and secure confinement for inmates while also offering opportunities for rehabilitation and reentry into society.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 2,365 |
| Physical Address | 209 Institution Drive Houtzdale, PA 16698-1000 |
| Mailing Address | Smart Communications/PADOC Inmate Name/Inmate Number Institution PO Box 33028 St Petersburg, FL 33733 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (814) 378-1000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
SCI Houtzdale Overview
SCI Houtzdale is a state correctional institution located in Houtzdale, Pennsylvania. It opened in January 1996 and is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. SCI Houtzdale is a medium-security prison that houses male inmates.
History
SCI Houtzdale was opened in response to the overcrowding of Pennsylvania’s state prison system. At the time of its opening, it had a capacity of 1,500 inmates. Over the years, the prison has undergone several expansions, including the addition of a modular housing unit in 2001.
Facilities
SCI Houtzdale has a total cell space of 2,365 and 12 dormitory-style housing units. Each housing unit has a day room for inmates to socialize and participate in recreational activities. The prison also has a number of educational and vocational programs available to inmates.
Programs and Services
SCI Houtzdale offers a variety of programs and services to its inmates, including educational and vocational programs. Inmates can participate in adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training, and college courses. The prison also offers counseling services, drug and alcohol treatment, and religious services.
Visitation Schedule
Visitation hours at SCI Houtzdale depend on the unit an inmate is in. Inmates are allowed up to four visitors at a time, including children. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must present a valid photo ID.
- Monday
- 8:30 am – 11:30 am – (A,B,C) Units
- 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm – (D,E,F) Units
- Thursday
- 8:30 am – 11:30 am – (G,K) Units
- 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm – (D,E,F) Units
- Friday
- 8:30 am – 11:30 am – (I,J) Units
- 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm – (G,K) Units
- Saturday
- 8:30 am – 11:30 am – (G/K) Units
- 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm – (I,J) Units
- Sunday
- 8:30 am – 11:30 am – (D,E,F) Units
- 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm – (A,B,C) Units
For more information on visitation, please refer to the SCI Houtzdale Visitors Memo.
Physical Address and Phone Number
SCI Houtzdale’s physical address is 209 Institution Drive, Houtzdale, PA 16698-1000. The phone number for the prison is (814) 378-1000.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at SCI Houtzdale can receive mail at the following address:
- Smart Communications/PADOC
- Inmate Name/Inmate Number
- Institution
- PO Box 33028
- St Petersburg, FL 33733
Overall, SCI Houtzdale provides a range of programs and services to its inmates, with a focus on education and rehabilitation.
Treatment Programs
SCI Houtzdale offers a range of treatment programs for inmates struggling with addiction or mental health issues. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills and tools they need to manage their conditions and successfully re-enter society upon release.
Courage to Change
The Courage to Change program is a 12-step program designed to help inmates with drug and alcohol addiction. Participants attend weekly meetings and work with trained facilitators to develop coping mechanisms and learn how to manage their addiction.
Therapeutic Community Outpatient Treatment
Therapeutic Community Outpatient Treatment is a program designed to help inmates with substance abuse issues. Participants attend group therapy sessions and work with counselors to develop the skills they need to manage their addiction and avoid relapse.
Low-Intensity Outpatient
Low-Intensity Outpatient is a program designed for inmates who require less intensive treatment for their addiction. Participants attend group therapy sessions and work with counselors to develop the skills they need to manage their addiction.
Parole Violator Group
The Parole Violator Group is a program designed for inmates who have violated their parole. Participants attend group therapy sessions and work with counselors to develop the skills they need to successfully re-enter society upon release.
Dual Diagnosis Group
The Dual Diagnosis Group is a program designed for inmates who have both a mental health condition and a substance abuse problem. Participants attend group therapy sessions and work with counselors to develop the skills they need to manage both conditions.
Special Needs Unit
The Special Needs Unit is a program designed for inmates with a variety of mental health conditions. Participants attend group therapy sessions and work with counselors to develop the skills they need to manage their condition and successfully re-enter society upon release.
Addictions Issues
The Addictions Issues program is designed to help inmates with a variety of addiction issues. Participants attend group therapy sessions and work with counselors to develop the skills they need to manage their addiction and avoid relapse.
Sex Offender Program
The Sex Offender Program is a program designed for inmates who have been convicted of a sex offense. Participants attend group therapy sessions and work with counselors to develop the skills they need to manage their behavior and avoid re-offending.
Cognitive Behavioral Theory Groups
The Cognitive Behavioral Theory Groups program is designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to manage their behavior and successfully re-enter society upon release. Participants attend group therapy sessions and work with counselors to develop the skills they need to manage their behavior and avoid re-offending.
Communication
JPay
JPay is a service that allows family and friends to send electronic messages, photos, and videos to inmates at SCI Houtzdale. Inmates can also use JPay to purchase music and other approved items. To use JPay, family and friends must create an account on the JPay website and purchase JPay stamps. Each electronic message sent requires one JPay stamp.
Smart Communications/PADOC
Smart Communications is the contracted vendor for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PADOC) for inmate mail and package processing. All incoming and outgoing mail is processed through Smart Communications. Family and friends can send letters, cards, and photos to inmates at SCI Houtzdale through Smart Communications. Inmates can also receive approved packages from family and friends.
Money Order
Family and friends can send money orders to inmates at SCI Houtzdale. Money orders must be made payable to the inmate and include the inmate’s ID number. Money orders can be sent by mail or through JPay.