PREA Readiness

Getting ready to comply with PREA may seem like a daunting task to even the most seasoned and motivated corrections leader. For those just getting started, the good news is that a number of correctional systems have been working on their sexual abuse prevention and response efforts for years and have many resources, successes, and lessons to share.

Links to the case studies appear below:

Guiding Principles for PREA Readiness

  • PREA is simply "good corrections": Agencies have nothing to fear from PREA. "PREA" is simply training, screening, first response, investigation, and victim-centered care. To the extent possible, agencies should strive to integrate PREA into existing training, screening, emergency response, investigation, and health care procedures. Corrections practitioners who have been working successfully to implement sexual abuse prevention and response policies often say that what PREA requires is what any professionally run correctional agency should already be doing to ensure the safety and security of its personnel and operations.
     
  • Strong leadership makes change possible: The leader of the system must be committed to strong sexual abuse prevention and response policies and procedures and must communicate that message effectively through the ranks. The leader should also appoint a high-ranking staff person to manage the agency's PREA efforts and ensure that person has a direct line of communication to him/her.
     
  • Collaboration increases readiness: From organizing a planning committee to review and revise policies to working with hospitals and community-based sexual abuse advocates, collaborating internally and making connections with community service providers are critical components of any PREA implementation plan.