Georgia DJJ Rockdale County Facility Receives National Reaccreditation

(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (Georgia DJJ) announced today that the Rockdale Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) obtained reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The secure facility for justice-involved youth underwent robust operations and treatment service audits, receiving reaccreditation on August 24 at the ACA 155th Congress of Correction in Denver, Colorado. 

"I am truly grateful to once again receive this recognition from the American Correctional Association,” said Georgia DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “Maintaining safe and secure environments for our staff and youth remains our top priority.  I am so proud of the Rockdale RYDC team for mastering national best practices.”   

The ACA conducted an extensive on-site three-day audit in February, including an in-depth assessment of Rockdale 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 and non-mandatory standards.

This year marks the third time the Rockdale facility obtained this national achievement. The ACA first accredited the facility in 2019 and again in January 2022. Additional Georgia DJJ secure facilities accredited by the ACA are in Bibb, Muscogee, 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.