PREA Reporting
MCJAS PREA Third Party Form

What is PREA?

The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 is federal law seeking to eliminate sexual abuse and sexual misconduct in correctional facilities. This law applies to all federal and state prisons, jails, police lock-ups, private facilities, juvenile facilities and community correctional settings.

The National Prison Rape Elimination Commission studied the impact of sexual abuse in correctional settings on federal, state and local government along with communities and social institutions. Their findings lead to a set of recommended national standards for enhancing prevention, detection and response to sexual abuse.

The final national standards were signed by Attorney General Eric Holder and released by the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) in May, 2012. All federal correctional facilities were certified compliant with the standards in May of 2013. State correctional facilities had until May of 2014 to certify compliance or submit assurance to become compliant. Failure to do so subjects the state to loss of USDOJ funds.

POLICY

The Multi- County Juvenile Attention System has a zero-tolerance standard for incidence of sexual abuse and sexual harassment and also makes prevention of sexual abuse a top priority. MCJAS extends this zero tolerance policy to include any personnel, volunteers, interns, or contract personnel, who may have contact with residents and will thoroughly investigate and hold accountable person(s) who violate these policies and Ohio State laws.

The Multi- County Juvenile Attention System will provide a safe, humane and appropriately secure environment, with zero-tolerance of sexual abuse and sexual harassment for all residents, by maintaining a program of prevention, detection, response, investigation and tracking. Any resident that has been the victim of sexual abuse or sexual harassment will be monitored to prevent any further harm. Special attention will be paid to placement and a specific treatment plan will be developed for the victim of an act of sexual abuse.

REPORTING

Residents experiencing incidents of sexual abuse or sexual harassment are provided multiple means of making a report. To allow for the quickest response, residents are encouraged to verbally report to any staff member immediately. Residents may file written grievances, report to their counselor, probation officer, parent, clergy, or by mailing a letter to the Superintendent at 815 Faircrest Street SW, Canton, Ohio, 44706. Reports may also be made by telephone, toll free hotline from any living unit, directly to the local rape crisis center.

Non-residents (third-parties) may report incidents of sexual abuse or sexual harassment of a resident detained in a MCJAS facility by contacting the PREA Coordinator’s Office at (330) 484-6471, extension 2835 or by reporting online using the link at the top of the page.

MCJAS PREA Policy Y-6