On June 1, 2006 The National Prison Rape Elimination Commission held a public hearing focusing on issues concerning juvenile populations. Testimony from that hearing brought to light questions regarding the implications of PREA for juvenile justice agencies. The hearing raised many issues including: policies preventing youth on youth sexual contact; training on “normal” adolescent development; medical and mental health care; and management and operational practice standards that will work in the various agencies housing or supervising youth. The chat will explore these issues and discuss policy and other challenges in implementing PREA for juvenile justice agencies.

Logistical Considerations

We will acknowledge, by email, when your application is received by our office. All applicants will be notified of their acceptance by March 4, 2008 by 5pm EST. Once you are accepted we will send you further instructions about how to access the pre-chat materials. We will also send instruction on how use the chat feature and evaluate the session.

Audience

This web-chat is appropriate for three-person, senior-level management teams from state, local and county juvenile justice agencies. It may also include leadership from agencies that provide residential, group home or supportive services to youth. Team members should have the ability to design and implement departmental policy changes and should include central office management or facility administrators. Ideal team members would include: PREA coordinators, lead training personnel, human resource managers, operations chiefs, legal counsel, facility administrators, department directors and/or deputy directors.

Juvenile justice agencies include private, state and locally operated secure detention and community based supervision. This includes but is not limited to all juvenile agencies that fall under the state and/ or local Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Child and Family Services, Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Social Services and all Juvenile Court agencies with responsibility for sentencing and confining adjudicated youth.