PREA Compliance

PREA

The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA)

Congress enacted the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) to address the problem of sexual abuse of individuals in confinement facilities. PREA requires federal, state, and local agencies to have a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse and sexual harassment (as defined by PREA) in prisons, jails, police lock-ups, and other confinement facilities.

AYFS’s Zero Tolerance Policy

AYFS mandates zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in all of its facilities. Sexual conduct between employees, volunteers, or contractors and individuals in a AYFS facility, regardless of consensual status, is prohibited and subject to administrative, disciplinary, and/or criminal sanctions.

How to Report Allegations of Sexual Abuse/Sexual Harassment of Someone in a AYFS Facility

To report an allegation of sexual abuse or sexual harassment on behalf of an individual who is in an AYFS facility, you may contact the Executive Director of the facility where the alleged incident occurred or contact our Corporate PREA Coordinator directly at 412-201-4118. Please use the same method of reporting if you were previously in an AYFS facility and need to report an allegation of sexual abuse or sexual harassment that occurred to you. Reports can be made over the phone, in person, in writing, or anonymously.

Please provide as many details as possible to help us investigate the allegation:

The name of the facility
The names and locations of alleged persons involved
Date, time, and location of where the alleged incident occurred
The names of any witnesses to the alleged incident
A brief description of the alleged incident
Your contact phone number and address if you wish to do so

Employee Reporting Options

AYFS employees may report alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment to facility management, a supervisor, the PREA Compliance Manager, or the Corporate PREA Coordinator (412)-551-4007

Investigations

All cases of alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment will be promptly, thoroughly, and objectively investigated. Upon substantiation of any allegation of sexual abuse or sexual harassment, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the employee, contractor, volunteer, or individual in an AYFS facility or program. Those actions may include termination of employment or possible criminal prosecution.

PREA Documents

2022 PREA Annual Report
1. Zero Tolerance Toward Sexual Abuse and Harassment Policy
2. Sexually Abusive Behavior Prevention and Intervention Program (PREA) Policy
3. Investigating PREA Allegations
4. PREA Juvenile Facility Standards
5. PREA Recertification Reports