GEORGIA DJJ MACON YOUTH FACILITIES EARN NATIONAL REACCREDITATION

(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) announced today that the Macon Youth Development Center (YDC) and Macon Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC), located in Macon, Ga., have obtained reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The secure facilities for justice-involved youth underwent robust operations and treatment service audits, receiving accreditation on January 11 at the ACA Winter Panel Hearings in Orlando, Fla.

"We recognize the importance of utilizing national best practices in our secure facilities and are grateful for this recognition by the American Correctional Association,” said DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “Thank you to the Macon RYDC and YDC team members for their hard work and dedication to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our staff and youth.”

The ACA conducted an extensive onsite three-day audit, including an in-depth assessment of the Macon YDC and Macon RYDC through staff interviews, a comprehensive facility tour, observation of staff performing their duties, and a review of vital files and records. The facilities scored 100 percent on the ACA mandatory standards.

This year marks the third time the Macon youth facilities obtained this national achievement. The ACA accredited both facilities in January 2019 and again in January 2022. Additional DJJ secure facilities accredited by the ACA are in Muscogee, Rockdale, Thomas, Crisp, Terrell, Wilkes, Whitfield, Floyd, and Cobb counties.

ACA is the oldest association developed specifically for practitioners in the correctional profession. The ACA standards are considered the national benchmark for the effective operation of correctional systems throughout the United States and are necessary to ensure that correctional facilities are operated professionally. They address services, programs, and operations essential to good correctional management, including administrative and fiscal controls, staff training and development, physical plant, safety and emergency procedures, sanitation, food service, and rules and discipline. Standards reflect practical, up-to-date policies and procedures that safeguard staff and offenders' life, health, and safety. 

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The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi-faceted agency that serves the state's justice-involved youth up to 21 years of age. The Department's mission is to transform young lives by providing evidence-based rehabilitative treatment services and supervision, strengthening youth and families' well-being, and fostering safe communities. Visit us online at www.djj.georgia.gov.