Winnebago County Juvenile Center recognized for sexual abuse prevention

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Winnebago County Juvenile Detention Center has earned federal accreditation after passing an audit under the Prison Rape Elimination Act, standards that keep inmates safe from sexual abuse and sexual harassment.

The Juvenile Detention Center becomes the fourth out of fifteen facilities in Illinois to receive recognition from the federal government.

The U.S. Department of Justice established 43 standards for safety guidelines under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in 2003.

Over the last six months, detention center staff worked to bring the facility in line with federal requirements, including enhancing PREA signage, improving PREA investigation forms used during inquiries, developing and implementing a direct supervision staffing schedule, providing resident education on PREA, conducting training for both residents and staff on PREA, and increasing accessibility to reporting channels and PREA procedures for residents.

“The best thing about receiving PREA compliance is that we’re continuously building a lasting culture that protects our residents so they can focus on developing their bright futures,” said PREA Coordinator Rachael Carmack.