Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Policy

It is the policy of the Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home (CJDH) to fully comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 and the National Standards declared by the United States Department of Justice to prevent, detect, and respond to prison rape under PREA and to provide a safe, humane, and secure environment for all residents free of sexual abuse and sexual harassment.

PREA Overview

  • Federal law established to support the elimination and prevention of sexual assault and sexual misconduct in correctional systems, including juvenile facilities.
  • Addresses both resident-to-resident sexual assault and staff-to-resident sexual assault.
  • CJDH maintains a zero tolerance policy for resident-on-resident sexual assault, staff sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment towards residents (115.311).
  • Every allegation of sexual assault, misconduct, and harassment will be thoroughly investigated, and all reports of sexual assault are referred to the Chesterfield County Police Department for criminal investigation.
  • Residents undergo initial education upon admission and ongoing education on PREA.
  • An assessment is conducted on all residents at the time of intake to determine their individual risk of victimization or predation using an objective measurement tool based on risk factors.

Incidents

CJDH received no allegations of sexual assault, staff sexual misconduct, or harassment towards residents from FY16 to FY22 (115.389). CJDH's most recent PREA audit was completed February 2022, and the report can be found below. CJDH is scheduled for its next PREA audit February 2025.

CJDH PREA Audit Summary Report (PDF) 

Reporting

To ensure that sexual misconduct is reported, CJDH has several ways for parents and third parties (such as staff members, family members, attorneys, and fellow residents or any other interested party) to report an incident (115.322, 115.354).  You may use the reporting method you are most comfortable with.

  • Tell any staff member of CJDH.  It is part of their job to report any allegation, ensure the resident’s safety, and maintain confidentiality.
  • Send a letter to the director of CJDH.
  • Send a letter to the Department of Juvenile Justice or Child Protective Services.
  • Call the Director, Assistant Director, Program Administrators, Department of Juvenile Justice, or Child Protective Services.
  • Fill out the online PREA Complaint Form (PDF). 

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