DJJ Secure Facilities in Rome and Marietta Receive National Reaccreditation

(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) announced today that the Bob Richards (Rome) and Marietta Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs) obtained national reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The secure facilities for justice-involved youth underwent operations and treatment service audits, receiving reaccreditation during the ACA's Winter Meetings on January 6 in National Harbor, Maryland.

"We are grateful for this reaccreditation by the American Correctional Association," said DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. " I would like to thank the DJJ team members in Rome and Marietta for their commitment to ensuring our facilities meet national standards. The agency will continue to utilize industry best practices in all our secure facilities.”

The ACA conducted onsite three-day audits this past summer, including an in-depth assessment of the facilities 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 and non-mandatory standards.

This marks the second time these facilities have obtained this national achievement. Additional DJJ secure facilities accredited by the ACA are in Bibb, Crisp, Rockdale, Terrell, Thomas, Muscogee, Whitfield, and Wilkes 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.