Macon Youth Facilities Earn Reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) has proudly announced the reaccreditation of the Macon Youth Development Center (YDC) and Macon Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) by the American Correctional Association (ACA). Both facilities, located in Macon, Georgia, received this prestigious recognition on January 11 at the ACA Winter Panel Hearings in Orlando, Florida.

The reaccreditation highlights the facilities’ commitment to excellence in operations and treatment services for justice-involved youth. DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “We recognize the importance of utilizing national best practices in our secure facilities and are grateful for this recognition by the American Correctional Association. 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.”

A Rigorous Assessment Process

The ACA’s reaccreditation process involved a comprehensive three-day onsite audit at the Macon YDC and RYDC. The assessment included staff interviews, facility tours, direct observation of staff duties, and a detailed review of files and records. Impressively, both facilities scored 100 percent on the ACA’s mandatory standards.

This achievement marks the third time the Macon facilities have earned ACA accreditation, having previously received the designation in January 2019 and January 2022. The recognition underscores DJJ’s consistent commitment to operating facilities that meet the highest professional standards.

Setting the Standard in Juvenile Justice

The ACA, established as the oldest association for correctional professionals, is recognized for setting national benchmarks for effective correctional operations. Its standards cover a range of critical areas, including:

• Administrative and fiscal controls

• Staff training and development

• Safety and emergency procedures

• Sanitation and food services

• Rules and discipline

These standards ensure staff and youth offenders' safety, health, and well-being while promoting practical and up-to-date correctional policies and procedures.

A Legacy of Excellence

In addition to the Macon YDC and RYDC, several other DJJ facilities across Georgia have achieved ACA accreditation including those in Muscogee, Rockdale, Thomas, Crisp, Terrell, Wilkes, Whitfield, Floyd, and Cobb counties.

About the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is dedicated to transforming the lives of justice-involved youth through evidence-based rehabilitative treatment services and supervision. Serving youth up to the age of 21, DJJ strives to strengthen families, enhance youth well-being, and foster safer communities across the state.

Testament

This reaccreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Macon YDC and RYDC teams and DJJ’s overarching mission to provide secure, rehabilitative, and supportive environments for Georgia’s youth.