Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in 2003 with unanimous support from both parties. Congress intended that PREA would provide for the analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape in Federal, State, and local institutions and to provide information, resources, recommendations, and funding to protect individuals from prison rape.
The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) has been working to ensure a system that provides youth, served in the juvenile justice system, an environment free from all sexual abuse, misconduct, harassment, or retaliation. The Department has imbedded a zero tolerance policy regarding sexual abuse, misconduct and harassment that establishes guidelines and procedures, for preventing and addressing incidents and allegations; and has incorporated this into staff, volunteer and client training and orientation. Additionally, all policies and procedures are being reviewed and revised in order to ensure compliance with the PREA standards. Memorandums of Understanding are being finalized to provide for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, medical/forensic exams, victim advocacy, supplemental employee trainings, client education, as well as coordination with law enforcement and the Juvenile Justice Services PREA team.
In order to evaluate the strength of the policies, processes and interventions, established to ensure compliance and to identify gaps and needs for improvement, CYFD proposes to secure a PREA content expert. The PREA expert will review the New Mexico PREA program within the juvenile justice system and provide guidance. CYFD will collaborate with the expert to establish a work plan to bring New Mexicos Juvenile Justice Services into compliance.
NCA/NCF
