Corrections_Today_Summer_2025_Vol.87_No.2

provision of identifiable needs of victims and victim services, community service, and restorative justice programs.; H. Mobilize the participation of a well informed constituency, including citizen and lived experience advisory boards and broad-based coalitions, to address com munity corrections issues; governmental and non-governmental enti ties that provide a framework to assess community needs and develop a system- wide plan for services and; J. Ensure the integrity and accountability of community corrections programs by establishing a reliable system for moni toring and measuring performance and outcomes in accordance with accepted standards of professional practices and sound evaluation methodology. This Public Correctional Policy was unanimously ratified by the American Correctional Association Delegate Assembly at the Winter Conference in Or lando, FL on January 20, 1985. It was last reviewed and reaffirmed at the Winter Conference in Orlando, FL on January 14, 2025. PUBLIC CORRECTIONAL POLICY ON OFFENDER ON OFFENDER SEXUAL ABUSE 2005-1 Policy Statement: Sexual abuse and harassment of individuals in correctional facilities or under community supervision are illegal, harmful, and unaccept able. Victims may experience severe physical and psychological harm. Correctional professionals are responsible for ensuring a safe environment for those under their supervision. To foster safety and well-being and to strive for full compliance I. Participate in collaborative, compre hensive planning efforts to include

with the standards set forth by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) correctional agencies should: A. Establish, publicize and enforce a zero tolerance policy regarding all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment; B. Develop classification and supervision policies and procedures that minimize the potential for sexual abuse or sexual harassment to occur and develop poli cies that serve to protect the victim and prevent repeat occurrences; C. Establish investigative policies and procedures that include the processes for reporting and thoroughly investigat ing every allegation involving sexual abuse and sexual harassment, including appropriate measures to protect the com plainant during an investigation; D. Establish mental health and medical pro tocols for treating the victim, including initial screening, reporting, and appropri ate follow-up treatment. Ensure victims are afforded assistance services and receive ongoing counseling and support;

E. Foster an environment in which the re porting of alleged sexual abuse and sexual

harassment is encouraged and reports may be made without fear of reprisal;

F. Establish relationships and protocols with outside law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to pursue the prosecution of perpetrators of sexual abuse or sexual harassment when there is a suspected violation of law; G. Maintain adequate and appropriate levels of staff to protect inmates against sexual abuse and sexual harassment;

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Summer 2025 | Corrections Today

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