Standards Management encompasses the areas of Performance-based Standards (PbS) and Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The role of Standards Management is to promote a culture of excellence through continuous data-driven improvement and accountability.
Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice has a zero-tolerance standard for sexual abuse, sexual harassment or sexual misconduct of any form against our youth or staff. The Agency has worked diligently to develop and integrate a safe system of care for our youth. All staff and youth are trained continuously on the importance of maintaining safe environments that are free from any type of sexual misconduct or sexual abuse. DJJ follows the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and Juvenile Facility Standards, which sets standards for preventing, detecting, and reporting sexual abuse and sexual harassment. PREA was enacted by Congress in 2003 is a Federal law established to address the elimination and prevention of sexual assault and rape in correctional systems. PREA applies to all federal, state, and local prisons, jails, police lock-ups, private facilities, and community settings such as residential facilities.
Contact: Niaja J. Kennedy, Standards Manager, (803)896-6344, Standards@djj.sc.gov
Division of Investigative Services Hotline: 1-866-313-0073
Performance-based Standards (PbS)
In the agency's push toward continuous improvement, The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice participates in Performance-based Standards (PbS), a data-driven improvement model substantiated by extensive research. PbS supports juvenile justice agencies, facilities and residential care providers in their effort to ensure the highest standards are being met for operations, programs and services. PbS believes youth-serving agencies should be challenged to deliver effective and safe rehabilitation and re-entry services. PbS also provides uniform data collection and reporting tools that show the impact of the services to youth, staff and families. The overall mission of PbS is to improve conditions of confinement and treatment services provided to incarcerated youth, by utilizing national standards and outcome measures.