Georgia DJJ Youth Detention Centers Receive National Reaccreditation

(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) announced today that the Wilkes Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) and Muscogee Youth Development Campus (YDC) 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 154th Congress of Correction on Saturday, August 17th, in Nashville, Tennessee.

"We are thankful to receive reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association," said DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “I want to thank the DJJ team members at the Wilkes and Muscogee facilities for their dedication to upholding the national standards. The agency remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing industry best practices across all our detention centers and development campuses.

The ACA conducted comprehensive three-day onsite audits in January 2024, which included 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' perfect score of 100 percent on the ACA mandatory standards is a testament to their commitment to excellence.

Additional DJJ secure facilities accredited by the ACA are in Bibb, Cobb, Crisp, Floyd, Rockdale, Terrell, Thomas, and Whitfield 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.